"Providence Mayor David Cicilline's free parking for shopping during the holidays is not working so well for some city merchants.
"Since there's free parking all day at metered spaces, employees from the nearby courthouse and some from other government offices are taking parking spots early and are staying all day.
It's leaving holiday shoppers out of the stores.
"Heidi Keller owns Capucine, a clothing store.
"'There's not parking. I have customers who call me, and give me their credit cards over the phone to make purchases. So it's been a little challenging,' she said.
Both Hegeman and Keller give the mayor credit for easing parking restrictions for the holidays. However they're not happy with free parking all day."
Thanks to Franny Ritchie
