It also launched the Retail Awards 2006, which have been created to honour shops that have played their part in transforming the City Centre over recent years.

The awards will comprise of seven different categories – Community Award, National Chain, Independent Retailer, Eating Place, Employee, Newcomer and Consumers’ Retailer of the Year.

For the first six categories, a panel of impartial judges will draw up a shortlist, which will then be put to the public vote.

However, the Consumers’ Retailer of the Year will be purely down to the discretion of Tele readers, who will be able to nominate the store of their choice through Tayconnect phone system for the cost of a local call.

They will also be able to vote for their favourites from nominees shortlisted for the Community, Eating Place and Employee awards in the same way.

Shoppers will be able to vote by posting voting cards in ballot boxes placed around the City Centre.

City Centre manager Lorna McKenzie said today, “We look forward to receiving nominations and celebrating Dundee City Centre’s innovation, evolution and dedication to ensuring prosperity continues. The action group wishes to recognise that retailers are integral to the progress, shape and vitality of its city centre. It is time we fully acknowledge the importance of this vital centre.”

The action group also outlined their plans for further development including working with retailers and businesses to develop the evening and late-night economy and supporting the council and Scottish Enterprise Tayside in their drive to improve the appearance of the centre.

The action group also wants to develop a co-ordinated strategy to help promote Dundee as a shopping destination.Dundee City Council economic convener Joe Morrow said, “Visitors spent £13 million in Dundee last year and the retail sector accounts for 30% of the Scottish economy.

“Business plans leave me cold but this is really an action plan to help promote the city.”

Winners of the inaugural retail awards will be announced in June.