THE deadline for Poole retailers to enter this year’s Top of the Shops Awards is fast approaching.

For a chance to be crowned the best in a range of categories, nominations must be lodged by Sunday.

Sponsored by Sibbett Gregory, Breeze Volkswagen and the Borough of Poole’s Economic Development team, the annual awards are organised by Poole Town Centre Partnership.

The awards are free to enter and shops can nominate themselves. As part of the process participating retailers will undergo mystery shopping, attend the award ceremony and receive post event feedback.

The categories are:

Best Overall Multiple Retailer 

Best Overall Independent Retailer 

Best Customer Service Multiple Retailer 

Best Customer Service Independent Retailer

Best Window Display Multiple Retailer 

Best Window Display Independent Retailer 

Best Social Media Marketing 

Best Customer Service Individual 

Dolphin Shopping Centre Retailer Award Last year’s Independent Overall Award winner, David Booth from Running Free, Lower Parkstone, said: “We have an excellent reputation with our customers, but decided to get involved in Top of the Shops to take advantage of the mystery shopping and dedicated feedback.

“Not only is it free, the information was really useful. Winning was just fantastic and a great boost to our staff and I would recommend anyone with a retail business to get involved.”

Jonathan Sibbett, director of Sibbett Gregory, said he wants as many shops to take the opportunity to ‘celebrate’ and ‘shout about the products and services they offer’.

He added: “We are fortunate to have a great range of dedicated retailers who offer fantastic services week in, week out.

“Often shops can be taken for granted, but they play a key part and have a massive impact on the local community.

“This is their chance to shine, raise their profile and boost staff morale.”

To enter retailers should contact Mandy Payne at mandy@ retailresource.biz or visit the Top of the Shops facebook page.

Winners will be announced on May 22 at a dinner at The Quay Thistle Hotel, Poole.

For more information please contact Poole Town Centre Management on the email address info@pooletowncentre. com