Our Retailer of the Year competition is back for the sixth year. 

The event has become a must for every retailer in St Albans city centre and this year, with many large high street chains closing and taking footfall with them, the competition really needs the public's backing.

Last year The Green Boutique, in the Village Arcade in High Street, scooped the overall prize.

The competition is a joint initiative between the Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans District Chamber of Commerce.

And if you have missed out on all the excitement of the previous years, now is your chance to put that right.

Next week we will reveal how you can nominate your favourite trader.

Short-listed retailers will be invited to this year’s awards evening, which will again be held at the Alban Arena on June 24.

Members of the Retailer of the Year committee will also be in St Albans City Centre from 11am on Wednesday April 10 to officially launch this year's competition.

The six categories will again be: specialist shops; food and drink; markets trader; restaurants and cafés; hair and beauty and fashion and accessories.

Our STAR award will be handed out to a retailer who goes above and beyond the call of duty and the winners of the 2012 Festive Pub of the Year competition will also receive their trophy.

All nominated retailers will also be sent a window poster.