OWNERS of a vinyl record shop are urgently seeking an investor to buy equity in their business.

When Vinyl Revolution opened a year ago in Duke Street, Brighton, it got off to a flying start.

They had national press coverage, established a loyal customer base and they continue to have top reviews.

However, the owners, Simon Parker and Rachel Lowe, say they are having a difficult Christmas and due to the uncertainty of Brexit the business is running out of cash.

The couple have launched an urgent appeal for investment in an effort to help them get through the Christmas season.

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Ms Lowe said: “It has been a slow Christmas for us as people aren’t spending due to Brexit. A lot of people are nervous about how Brexit will affect them and what will happen to the economy.

“Secondly, the trains have been horrific. When people have to sit in a replacement bus for two hours to come to Brighton, it puts them off.

“Because of this, we lose a lot of customers coming from places like London. So November has been bad for us too.

“There are no trains during half-term in February and this is a busy time for retailers as families come to Brighton to see the pier, The Lanes and our shop.”

The business started two years ago as a pop-up in Tunbridge Wells.

Vinyl Revolution launched a video on YouTube to attract investors earlier this year but they put this on hold.

The owners now plan a crowdfunding campaign next year to grow the business. This investor appeal, launched this week, is an unexpected stop gap to help sustain their shop into next year

Ms Lowe said: “Our customers have been very supportive and loyal. We have customers from 30 countries.

“Already, there has been a pledge of £8,000 from someone. We have been provisionally accepted by one of the biggest crowdfunding platforms. We just want people to stop worrying about Brexit, and be confident in the economy.

“We, like a lot of retailers, rely on the Christmas for our sales. We are not the only ones feeling the brunt of Brexit fears. About five shops in the Duke Street have closed recently.

"People are coming into independent shops but are buying things from Amazon. Independent British shops need support now more than ever.”