Shops are reporting a drop in sales in the lead up to Christmas compared to last year.

Retail Excellence says the decline can be blamed on Brexit, Trump and online shopping.

The representative body says the trend is concerning and is placing additional challenges on the sector

In a statement issued by Retail Excellence Ireland it said, “We have also seen a measured increase in Black Friday shopping at discounted prices. These reasons, added to a general deterioration in customer sentiment, have resulted in a challenged retail situation so far in December.

“While some sectors will trade slightly up or on par against last year consumer electronics, beauty and pharmacy, telecommunications, ladies wear, footwear and jewellery are all trending downwards.”