Nominations for the annual Retailer of the Year awards to be presented by Natural Foods Merchandiser and Natural Products Expo East on Sept. 23 in Baltimore are now open.

We seek stellar stores for the following categories:

Innovation. We want to know how natural retailers are breaking retail molds and imagining the store of tomorrow.

Sustainability. In this triple bottom line world, who gets a bonus for the greenest of business practices?

Best new store (including new location or major remodel). In this increasingly competitive environment, natural foods retailers are upping the ante with new stores and remodels. Who has done it well recently?

Community engagement and outreach. Natural retail is all about community. Let's honor those leaving at lasting legacy.

Nominations will be accepted through May 20.

Finalists will be announced on newhope.com and in the September/October issue of Natural Foods Merchandiser magazine. Winners selected by the awards committee will be announced at Natural Products Expo East event.

See last year's finalists and the winners.