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As Brighton changed from fishing town to fashionable resort, the variety and number of shops increased. Most were small family concerns, but London based merchants soon began to set up businesses selling luxury goods. By 1800, North Street had become Brighton's main shopping area.
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Wooden glove mannequin, used to display ladies long gloves in the Ladies Outfitting Department at Leeson and Vokins store. |
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During the early 1800s, larger shops such as Hanningtons and later, Leeson & Vokins, began to develop. Apprentices and assistants usually 'lived in' and worked long hours. Most shops were open from 8am until 10pm, six days a week. At both Hanningtons and Leeson & Vokins however, staff were highly thought of and were only required to work 5½ days a week. Conditions for most shop workers didn't improve greatly until the Early Closing Act was passed in 1911.
In 1937, there were 2,946 town centre shops. Today, with the variety and number of shops in Brighton unequalled on the south coast, shop work remains a major source of employment.
See objects on display in the Shops section of Exploring Brighton gallery
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Shops
