Nominations for the eight categories were whittled down by an independent panel before shoppers and Tele readers were given the chance to have their say.

The award organisers were delighted with the public response with thousands of votes being cast.

Among the big winners were Peacocks clothes store, which scooped the public vote to be named Consumers Retailer of the Year and Freedom Hair, which picked up the Evening Telegraph-sponsored Community Award for its outstanding charitable work.

Over the past year, Freedom Hair has organised or taken part in eight different charitable events, raising over £20,000.

Dundee City Centre manager Lorna McKenzie said the awards had proven to be an outstanding success.

She said, “It was great to see so many shoppers taking the time to vote for their favourite retailer, eating place or employee.

“It means a lot to the businesses nominated that the winning votes are cast by the very people who have experienced their excellence.

“The volume of votes really demonstrates the value these awards have within the community and even further afield — this year we received votes from all over the globe.

“The Dundee City Centre Retail Awards 2008 have again reflected the substantial developments being made in the city centre and shown Dundee’s retailing and business provision as a vibrant and innovative economic hub.”

Television personality Angus Purden said he was delighted to have been chosen to host the ceremony and said he believed there was a growing air of confidence about the city.

He said, “Dundee is such an interesting and innovative city with true vision and aspiration.

“Every time I visit I find an element of change — there is always a great sense of spirit and pride.”

City Centre Action Group chairman Peter Leyland said the awards were an opportunity for Dundee to highlight its strength as a top-class retail destination.

He said, “Dundee city centre has so many proactive and aspiring businesses.

“I wish to thank all sponsors for their support and all nominees for taking the time to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Newcomer of the Year (sponsored by locate-dundee) — Winner: The Cheesery, Exchange Street; runners-up: Joy, Overgate; Concrete Jungle, Commercial Street.

Community Award (sponsored by the Evening Telegraph) — Winner: Freedom Hair, Dock Street; runners-up: Hilton Dundee, Earl Grey Place; Peacocks, Wellgate.

Independent Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Triage Central Ltd) — Winner: Groucho’s, Nethergate;

runners-up: Lorraine Law, Commercial Street; Taste Fresh (Dundee) Ltd, Union Street.

Eating Place of the Year in a Fine Dining / Restaurant Environment Award (sponsored by Michelin) — Winner: Dundee Rep Theatre Cafe, Tay Square; runners-up: The Tasting Rooms, South Ward Road; The Playwright, Tay Square.

Eating Place of the Year in a Cafe / Public House Environment (sponsored by Dundee College Targeting Tourism) — Winner: The Parlour Cafe, West Port; runners-up: Chambers Coffee House, South Tay Street; Coffee Exchange Ltd, Exchange Street.

Employee of the Year (sponsored by Hilton Dundee) — Winner: Sandra Christie of Lorraine Law Jewellers, Commercial Street; runners-up: Cathy Lynam of Rugby Plus, Union Street; Claire Shackell of Freespirit, Overgate.

National Chain of the Year (sponsored by the Wellgate Shopping Centre) — Winner: Borders Books, Gallagher Retail Park; runners-up: Gap and Gap Kids, Overgate; Lush Retail Ltd, Overgate.

Consumers’ Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Overgate) — Winner: Peacocks, Wellgate.