The Retailer of the Year committee took to the streets of St Albans last week to launch the 2015 competition.

Former Review editor Martin Buhagiar, St Albans Civic Society member Eric Roberts, former Liberal Democrat councillor Melvyn Teare, Labour councillor Roma Mills and former Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Oldfield make up this year’s committee.

Shoppers had the chance to pick up nomination forms to put forward their favourite retailer for each of the usual six categories.

The group also announced the introduction of a new seventh category - St Albans Neighbourhood Centres. This is in response to demand from traders for an award for retailers not based within the city centre.

Cllr Mills said: "We were really pleased so many people took the time to nominate their favourite trader.

"All nominated retailers will soon receive a window poster to confirm they have been entered in this year’s competition. The competition is now in its eighth year and remains as popular as ever."

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

Last year Greys Hairdressing in Christopher Place was named overall winner.

Short-listed retailers will be invited to this year’s awards evening, which will  be held at a different venue - Batchwood Hall - on Monday, June 22.