POOLE town centre retailers are undergoing rigorous mystery shopper tests for this year's Top of the Shops awards.

Finalists will be invited to the glittering Top of the Shops awards dinner at the Quay Thistle Hotel, Poole on May 16.

The awards, in their second year, are again sponsored by Poole-based Sibbett Gregory and Breeze Volkswagen.

They are organised by Poole Town Centre Management and the Dorset Retail Skillshop project, funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the European Social Fund.

Media partners the Daily Echo and Wave 105 are working together on the co-hosting of the gala evening.

Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth will join Steve Power of Wave 105 to orchestrate the evening's proceedings.

Both independents and multiples are undergoing the judging process. Categories include:

  • Best Shopping Experience
  • Best Window Display
  • Best Customer Care
  • Best Marketing Campaign
  • Best Overall Winner.

Prizes for winners and runners up will be awarded for each category. One individual will also be recognised with the Best Shop Assistant award.

Breeze Volkswagen managing director John Corderoy said: "The Top of the Shops awards are pivotal in recognising best practice and rewarding leading Poole town centre-based retailers, both large and small. It is imperative that the public sees the excellence which exists in Poole's town centre and we aim to raise its profile in the process."