For others it is a 21st.

But when it comes to business and retail why not celebrate both? Especially after a year when so much has happened in the Wollongong city centre.

Which means it is not just a good time to celebrate individual business success but that of the whole economically important precinct.

It is why Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, Destination Wollongong manager Mark Sleigh, GPT Wollongong Central Centre manager Nathan Yeo, Commonwealth Bank Business Banking executive manager Kevin Ayres and Destination Wollongong client relationship manager Branka Zugnoni were so excited to launch the 2015 Wollongong City Centre Retail and Business Awards on Wednesday.

All five gathered in front of the GPT's recently opened shopping centre development on the western side of Keira Street to call for nominations from businesses interested in taking part in the annual celebration.

The awards, to be held on May 29 at WIN Entertainment Centre acknowledge the outstanding businesses of the Wollongong City Centre, which includes Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central.

"It is hard to ignore how important retailing is as an industry," Mr Ayres said.

"It employs one in 10 people ... and CBA has visibility over about 40 per cent of all [electronic] transactions across the country."

Mr Sleigh said the number of business categories had risen from 14 to 16 as the Hair and Beauty category and the Restaurants and Bars category were split in two.

The separate categories were due to the high level of quality applicants received received in recent years and the growth of activity in both areas in the CBD.

Cr Bradbery praised the awards' longevity.

"With a growing number of nominations in the award categories, it's encouraging that we have more businesses who see a brighter future in our changing city," he said.

Nominations close on Friday, March 13. Forms are at the iHub on 93 Crown Street and at wollongong.com.

2015 WOLLONGONG CITY CENTRE RETAIL AND BUSINESS AWARDS Categories:

 Bars

 Beauty

 Cafes,Takeaway & Specialty Foods

 Fashion Accessories & Footwear

 Female Fashion

 General Service Provider

  Hair

 Healthcare, Lifestyle & Fitness

 Homewares, Gifts & Toys

 Major Store

 Male Fashion

 New Store

 Professional Service Provider

 Restaurants

 Telecommunications & Electrical

 Tourism & Travel Services

 Employee of the Year

Key Dates:

 Nominations close: Friday 13th March

 Submissions close: Friday 10th April

 Finalists advised: Wednesday 15th April

 Awards Dinner: Friday 29th May

Key Figures:

 Number of award categories – 17 (not including Retail & Business of the Year and Shopper’s Choice)

 Number of 2014 nominations – 224

 Number of 2014 finalists – 119 finalists representing 77 businesses

Other Important Stats :

The Wollongong City Centre (combining Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central) attracts an average of 11 million shoppers to Wollongong’s shopping district per year accruing over $320 million in sales annually. As the premier shopping destination for local residents and tourists, the City Centre aids in strengthening the local economy and the Illawarra’s employment opportunities. The Wollongong City Centre comprises a significant component of restaurants and entertainment facilities as well as the region’s only David Jones store. This together with Greater Union Cinemas, Rebel Sport and over 400 specialty stores have undoubtedly underpinned the success of retailing within the City Centre.