CONCERNED shopkeepers say it has been a slow start to the month that is traditionally the busiest of the year.

They say Brexit and Universal Credit are partly to blame for business failing to pick up.

Frank Taylor, owner of vinyl shop Cult Hero in Brighton Place, Brighton, said: “The Christmas rush used to start in mid-November but now it’s more like the second week of December.

“There is still time so I think we will get more customers in.

“It has been OK. We have just moved from North Street and are getting customers in with a lot of interest.

“Weekends are usually better for us but when we were at the old location we had more traffic because the shop had become an established place for many people.”

Kai Mussell, manager of independent clothing store Moda And Soda in Gardner Street, said: “It’s been a slow start for us, I think it’s because a lot of people are worried about Brexit.

“I think Universal Credit has something to do with it too.

“We’re not a high-priced shop and even the cheapest items aren’t selling well.

“Tourism has dropped because it’s winter and lately there’s been train strikes and engineering works, which makes it hard for people coming from London.

“We notice if there are train problems we lose about £500 worth of sales.

“But it’s a very strong communal spirit and we all help each other.”

Some retailers said the poor weather has not helped .

Read more: This is how much Brighton parents spend on each child at Christmas

Jacqueline Berry, who works at gift shop Rose Hill Boutique in Kensington Gardens, said: “December’s weather has been awful and they have predicted a very cold winter.

“People do get put off from coming out if the weather is bad.

“Many people are buying things online but not all products are online so we encourage people to visit us.

“We are an independent store and you won’t find any of our items outside.”

Steve Griffin, owner of jewellery shop Jojo In Brighton in the same street, said: “Things don’t really pick up until it’s the second week of December when everyone is doing their last minute Christmas shopping.”

“We haven’t got a lot of people coming into the shop yet, but then again it’s early to tell because the Christmas rush starts this coming week.

“We haven’t seen many people walking around the North Laine. We’ve also noticed when there are train strikes or railway repairs we get less visitors. If you’re coming from London you wouldn’t want to spend about four hours in the train. It’s understandable.

“It’s a lot of pressure to keep things running because of the high business rates.”