SHOPPERS are being asked to nominate their favourite retailers for an annual awards scheme.

The seventh annual Durham City Retail Awards will be held in the Bishops Suite of Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on Wednesday, November 28, when the city’s top shops, restaurants, cafes and bars will battle it out for 12 prizes at a glittering awards ceremony.

Judges hope to reward those who have provided outstanding customer service, demonstrated detailed product knowledge and given customers a great retail experience over the past 12 months.

The categories are: Small Retailer, Large Retailer, Independent Retailer, Retail Person, Window, Retail Experience, Coffee Shop, Bar, Restaurant, Marketing Initiative, Indoor Market Trader and, the overall prize, Retailer of the Year.

Nominations are open now and shoppers are invited to put forward their favourite retailer for an award.

They should be made online at cityofdurhamretailawards.co.uk or in marked boxes at the Prince Bishops or Gates shopping centres or Durham Indoor Market, The deadline for nominations is Sunday, November 4.

Richard Toynbee, the Prince Bishops shopping centre manager and part of Marketing Durham, said: “The Retail Awards aim to give recognition to retailers in Durham that are really pushing the boat out to provide excellent customer service and a quality all-round experience for each and every shopper in Durham.

“We really hope that the people of Durham get behind the awards and support their local shops, bars, restaurants and cafes.”

Last year’s big winner was women’s clothing specialist East, which bagged the Small Retailer and overall Retailer of the year honours.

Bramwells, a family-run jewellers which has been trading for more than 150 years, won the Independent Retailer title.

Owner Tony Bramwell said: “Winning the award was a fantastic experience.

“It’s great to know that all the hard work that our dedicated staff put in behind the scenes is appreciated.”

The Marketing Initiative of the Year Prize is sponsored by the Durham Times.