City stores dress up and rev up for Newcastle 500

A Newcastle clothing store sporting Supercars livery from floor to ceiling has been named the city's best-dressed business in support of the inaugural Newcastle 500.

The Hunter St Mall Lowes outlet was one of dozens across the local government area to jump on board a call for companies to dress their premises up prior to the landmark event.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said a Council contest that launched earlier this year aimed to find the business with the most striking display.

^{Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with the winning Lowes employees}

"I want to thank all the businesses that are showing their support for the Newcastle 500 - it's going to be the biggest event the city has ever seen," she said.

"We've had bars bedecked in chequered flags and event posters, bottle shops sporting balloons and bunting, even a day care centre with decorations custom-made by their kids. But Lowes was the stand-out - their staff have gone above and beyond to get into the spirit of things."

As winners of the contest, staff at the store will receive four three-day Newcastle 500 passes, four merchandise packs and four tours of the event's pit lane garages.

"We're now in the home straight leading up to our first-ever Newcastle 500," Cr Nelmes said.

"I urge everyone to get excited and show the world what a wonderful city this is."