LONDON – The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announces that John Lewis has become a Tier Three Provider to London 2012 and its 26th domestic sponsor. John Lewis becomes the Official Department Store Provider to London 2012.

As part of their partnership with LOCOG, John Lewis will offer their staff (known as Partners) the opportunity to work at LOCOG in the build-up to the Games, help to furnish lounge and reception areas at Games-time venues, and provide warehouse space. In addition, the John Lewis shop on Oxford Street and the forthcoming shop adjacent to the Olympic Park at Stratford (due to open in 2011) are set to become key retail outlets for Games-related merchandise. These shops will give back all net profit to LOCOG on London 2012 merchandise sold.

LOCOG Chair Sebastian Coe commented, “We are thrilled that John Lewis has chosen to join us on the journey to 2012. They are a great British brand with a reputation for first class customer care and excellence. They supported us during the bid and so it is fantastic to have them on board as a sponsor. They bring a wealth of retail experience which will be invaluable to us as our merchandise programme ramps up and crucially, members of their staff will join our own to provide expertise and ensure those visiting our Games receive the warmest of welcomes in 2012.”

Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis, said: “I am thrilled that John Lewis is the official department store provider to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. We backed the original bid and we are very proud to announce this partnership with London 2012. Sustainability and community are at the heart of our business and we are therefore delighted to be involved with the regeneration of east London through anchoring the Olympic development in Stratford with our latest full-line department store as well as helping to fund the most exciting sporting event for a generation.”

In addition, John Lewis has developed ‘Partners in Sport’ an initiative to put something back into the community through sport which includes sponsoring seven London 2012 hopefuls as well as funding sports coaches.

The London 2012 licensing and retail programme is very much on track with 15 licensees already appointed in key categories and exciting London 2012 merchandise in development. John Lewis will be a key distribution network for the estimated 10,000 licensed products which will be on sale by 2012.

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