At least one shop assistant at each counter of the city's major department stores and shopping malls will be able to speak English and use sign language during the 2010 World Expo, the Shanghai Commercial Commission pledged yesterday.

A total of 35 shopping malls and department stores on popular commercial streets, including Shanghai No.1 Department Store, Oriental Department Store and Shanghai Bailian Shimao Plaza, would fall under the service plan.

The stores have already initiated training programs aimed at improving service for global visitors.

Every store will be able to service customers in Chinese, English and sign language, said Wu Xianping with Shanghai Bailian Group Co Ltd.

An English training brochure containing words commonly used at the general service desk, cashier's desk and counters have been distributed to about 5,000 employees, according to Wu. He added shop assistants would have regular training in English and sign language.

In addition to language, service manner would be an important part of the training, Wu said.

Shop assistants have been asked not to wear leisure clothes in business hours, including open-toe pumps and jeans.