Shoppers in Sunderland are being asked to vote for their favourite city centre stores and have the chance to win £500 in the first ever Sunderland City Centre Retail Awards.

The awards are being run by Sunderland City Centre Management on behalf of Sunderland City Council, to help recognise and reward retail businesses of all shapes and sizes operating within the city centre’s daytime economy, from clothing shops and beauty salons to DIY outlets and hairdressers.

Members of the public are being asked to vote in five different categories, with one lucky voter being chosen at random to win £500 worth of vouchers to spend on their next shopping spree.

The categories which will be decided solely by public vote are:

• My Favourite Coffee Shop
• Lovely Lunch
• Service With A Smile
• The Shop I Can’t Live Without
• The Wow Christmas Window of the Year

Members of the public can also make their suggestions in January for

• Independent Retailer of the Year
• Small Retailer of the Year
• High Street Retailer of the Year

While store managers are being asked to submit their nominations in two categories

• Sunderland Shooting Star
• Marketing/Advertising Initiative of the Year

The winner in each of these five categories will be chosen by an independent judging panel.

Deadline for nominations in the public vote has been set for Midnight on 16th January 2010, with new votes opening on the selected shortlists between 2nd January and 16th January.

The winners of the first annual Sunderland City Centre Retail Awards will be unveiled in a glittering awards ceremony which is being planned for February 2010.

Vote now at www.retail-awards.co.uk

Who doesn’t love a little retail therapy? Here in Sunderland City Centre we’re lucky to have every conceivable kind of store, shop and business, making it completely unnecessary to go anywhere else.

We have all the top high street names and some fantastic department stores but at the same time Sunderland also offers a unique range of independent shops, services and businesses, perfect for anyone wanting something out of the ordinary or a little bit different.

Fashion, homewares, health & beauty, financial services – you name it, Sunderland can provide it. Whether you want to shop, keep fit, or buy something special we promise you a fantastic experience. Or with great cafes and restaurants as well, you can simply relax and watch the world go by. But don’t just take our word for it – come and see for yourself!