The 2009 Awards will recognise the achievements and innovation of retail businesses in the ACT in six categories - Customer Service, Best Store Display, Technology, Innovative Marketing, Training, and Product Range.

"Currently the ACT is the only State or Territory that doesn't hold awards for retail excellence, and I'm pleased that the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Traders Association, in association with the ACT Government, has decided to recognise the hard work and achievements of the many and varied retailers in the ACT," Mr Stanhope said.

"The local retail industry is a vital element of the ACT economy, with Canberra boasting some of the best retail outlets in the country, ranging from major department stores and local markets to a huge variety of specialty shops and discount outlets.

"In these uncertain economic times it is even more important that the efforts of our local retailers are acknowledged and that their contribution to our community and economy are recognised. These retail awards provide an ideal opportunity for us to do this," Mr Stanhope said.

Retailers may self nominate for 5 of the Awards and shoppers are able to nominate stores for the Customer Services category.The Awards will be judged by a panel of judges with extensive retail experience with winners then being announced at a dinner in May. Local winners will represent the ACT as finalists in the National Retail Awards