Value fashion and homewares group Matalan is to launch a bespoke training scheme to ensure all its retail managers are trained to a standardised level.

Matalan’s Cheetham Hill store in Manchester will be the first to trial the Store of Learning concept, which will include a five to eight-week programme for managers.

All training will be tailored to the individual, covering all aspects of the job role as well as the core values of the company.

The training will be delivered by Matalan employees with a combination of real shopfloor experience and classroom based tuition.

New staff, promoted employees and those in need of extra training will all benefit from the scheme.

Retail director Mike Jeans said the concept has been created to ultimately improve the in-store customer experience.

It is due to launch on September 21, with the Matalan in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent following in October and the Colindale, London, store third to launch the scheme. Next year another three or four stores will offer the training.

Separately, Matalan is to create 2,300 additional temporary roles across its network over the Christmas period.

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