Shoppers are being asked to pick the town centre's top shops and favourite night-time venues in the second Croydon retail and entertainment awards.

Building on last year's success, CMD and the Croydon Guardian are launching the awards in September 2004, with winners in eight categories to be announced at a glittering ceremony in January 2005.

Last year more than 1,000 people voted to recognise the stores and employees that go the extra mile to help customers, with clothing store George picking up best new retailer and traditional hardware store Turtles named best independent retailer.

The Warehouse Theatre won best entertainment venue, fancy dress store Masquerade collected the customer-friendly award, while Thorntons chocolate was named best food or drink retailer.

All visitors will have the opportunity to nominate Croydon town centre businesses via nomination forms in key locations and retail premises. One lucky voter will win vouchers.

The categories are the same as in 2003: l Customer-friendly retailer of the year l Fashion retailer of the year l Health and beauty business of the year l Independent retailer of the year l Best new business of the year l Non-fashion retailer of the year l Food or drink retailer of the year l Night-time venue of the year Sponsors of the Awards include The Whitgift Shopping Centre, Centrale and Blue Arrow.