The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is calling for retailers to enter the 2015 annual ARA Australian Retail Awards.

Norminations for the awards are open across 12 categories until May 8, with winners will be announced at the ARA Awards Breakfast in Melbourne on July 2.

Categories include Australian Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail Employer of the Year, Australian Independent Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail Innovator of the Year, Australian Retail Graduate of the Year, Australian Multi-channel Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Individual Retailer of the Year, Customer Satisfaction Retailer of the Year, Australian Retail Store Fitout of the Year, and Australian Retail Payments Leader of the Year.

“The ARA Awards have become something of an icon,” said ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman.

“Each year, the ARA Awards capture stories of hardworking and innovative retailers who are thriving despite daily challenges and provide retailers with the valuable opportunity to showcase their business on a national stage and demonstrate just how focused they are on their customers and the communities in which they operate.

“While business conditions remain less than ideal, 2015 is shaping up to be an exciting year and it’s important for us as an industry to unite and celebrate all of the hardworking retailers across the country.

The ARA Awards have celebrated Australia’s leading retailers for more than 40 years.

To enter the awards and view eligibility criteria visit www.australianretailawards.com.au. For more information, phone 1300 368 041 or email awards@retail.org.au.