John Lewis backing London Olympic bid
Retail group supports 2012 campaign
The John Lewis Partnership is backing the London 2012 Olympic bid, becoming a Champion Supporter of the London 2012 committee.
The owner of John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets will be providing financial support for the bid as well as promoting the ‘Back the Bid’ campaign to its 6m customers.
Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring the world’s greatest sporting event to the UK. There’s clearly growing public support for the bid right across the country, and that includes many John Lewis and Waitrose customers and partners.
“As a business we’re able to give voice to this growing enthusiasm, and we’re pleased to add our weight to making the London 2012 bid a success. This is an important initiative for London but it’s also important for the nation as a whole. We believe that the underlying enthusiasm for the bid will grow as we draw nearer to July when the International Olympic Committee make their final decision.”
London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: “We are delighted that a company with the reputation of the John Lewis Partnership is giving its backing to the bid. The IOC attaches much importance to the level of support from the public and from the business sector.
“It is particularly welcome at an important time when the IOC are about to visit London to examine our plans in detail. The support of John Lewis adds to our campaign to increase visible support throughout London and the UK.”
