Alternative Barbering Co. were top of the crop last year when they were named winner of the Hair and Beauty category.

The George Street-based barbers also went on to win the overall 2013 Retailer of the Year award.

Before that our judges had their work cut-out to select a winner from another highly competitive shortlist.

The barbers, set up three years ago, is the brainchild of Sam Campagna who told the Review it was third time lucky.

Mr Campagna said: "We are amazed. It is come as a bit of a surprise. We have been nominated every time for three years, so to actually win is a bit surreal."

This year, the Hair and Beauty category is sponsored by Maltings-based Hatch.

You can nominate retailers in one of six categories - fashion and accessories; specialist shops; markets trader; restaurants and cafes, food and drink and hair and beauty.

The competition is a joint initiative between the Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans District Chamber of Commerce to raise the profile of independent city centre traders and is now in its seventh year.

This year's competition will once again culminate in a glittering gala awards evening at the Alban Arena on June 23.

All nominations should be received by midnight on May 9.

You can now nominate traders by tweeting our dedicated Retailer of the Year page: @StAlbansROTY Simply tell us the name of the shop/cafe/restaurant/trader and where they are based.

You can also nominate a retailer via text.  Just text the word ‘retailer’ followed by the name and address of the business to 80360. Texts cost 50p.

Finally, you can nominate a retailer by filling out the form in this week’s Review and posting it to the news desk or by emailing your entry to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk

  • This year the competition has again been backed by generous local businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses is sponsoring the Cafes and Restaurants category; The Maltings has sponsored Fashion and Accessories; Christopher Place has sponsored the Specialist Shops category and the District Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the STAR award. Hatch has agreed to sponsor the Hair and Beauty category while Alternative Barbering Co are sponsoring Food & Drink and Waterstones the Markets Trader category.

Nominated retailers: 

  • Cafes and Restaurants

Jamie’s Italian, Chequer Street
Carluccio’s Christopher Place
Darcy’s Restaurant, Hatfield Road
Fishy Delishy, Catherine Street
Verdi’s Trttoria, Clarence Road
Café Roma, St Peters Street
Car Espresso, Victoria Street
Bar Meze, Adelaide Street
Shaken Cow, High Street
Brasserie Blanc, Verulam Road
Barrissimo, St Peters Street
The Waffle House, St Michael’s Street
Lussmans, Waxhouse Gate
Hatch, The Maltings
Loch Fyne, Verulam Road
Soko Coffee, St Albans station
Zizzi, High Street
Merchant Tea and Coffee Company, Market Place
BHS Restaurant, St Peters Street

  • Food and drink

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop, French Row
Simmons Bakers, French Row
Cornish Pasty Company, Market Place
Dixie’s Cupcakery, Market Place
Ellis Butchers, Victoria Street
Buongiorno Italia, Lattimore Road
Hotel Chocolat, Chequer St
The Pudding Shop, College Place
A&C Meats, Catherine Street

  • Hair and beauty

Alternative Barbering Co, George Street
Champneys, Market Place
Eve and Adam Day Spa, Catherine Street
Sarah Iovane Hair, London Road
Wilde About Hair, French Row
Greys Hair & Beauty, Christoper Place
Mosaic Hair Studio, The Quadrant
Sanrizz, The Maltings
Lush, The Maltings
Hair on the Heath, Sandridge Road

  • Markets Trader

The Cheesewheeler
John’s Fabrics
Toys and Collectables (outside Jigsaw)
Alban Blinds
Bread Stall
Toy Stall (outside Clarks)
Vince the plant man
Cheeseman (Dutch)
Sycamore Foods
St Albans Wholefoods
Peter the flower man (near M&S)
Grove Fruits
Fruit and Veg (near BHS)
Second hand clothes stall (near Jack Wills)
Anthony Lewis Photography
The Card Stall

  • Specialist Shops

Empire Records, Heritage Close
Tomoka Spirits Boutique, Christopher Place
Flowers,Flowers, Christopher Place
The White Company, Christopher Place
WH Smiths, Market Place
Chloe James Lifestyle, High Street
Oxfam Bookshop, Catherine Street
Stevensons, Victoria Street
Chantilly Interiors, Catherine Street
Roope Opticians, George Street
L.A James, George Street
Marks & Spencer, St Peter’s Street
Poundworld, St Peters Street
Alphamarque, Russet Drive
Fun zone Fancy Dress, High Oaks
AG Studios, Central Drive

  • Fashion and accessories

Little Viking, George Street
LK Bennett, Christopher Place
Strides, George Street
D Copperfield, Chequer Street
Jane &Dada, High Street
Janes Shoes,
Phase Eight, Market Place
The Dressing Room, High Street
Carousel The Handbag Boutique, High Street
Republic, The Maltings
Little Viking, George Street
Jack Wills, Market Place
Gladrags, Heritage Close
Long Tall Sally, George Street
Simply French, Holywell Hill
Accessorize, Market Place