The Retail Academy is bringing the yellow t-shirt back to local stores to support its skills training programme for independents.

Store owners ordering training CDs from the academy's website can claim a free t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan 'Academy Awards Winner'.

Retail Academy chairman Alan Toft said wearing the shirts would help demonstrate to customers that employees were working to raise standards, and would be a catalyst for conversation between staff and shoppers.

The training scheme comprises six modules focused on giving store staff practical advice on a range of store operations. At the same time, the Academy is enhancing its community credentials with a new slogan, 'local.like.u', s which will be a sign-off for all activity in the independent sector.