The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced the appointment of John Lewis as a Tier Three provider to the 2012 Games.

John Lewis, the Bracknell-based department store, is the 26th sponsor to be named by LOCOG and will help to furnish lounge and reception areas at venues due to be used during the Games. The company's Oxford Street store and proposed Stratford outlet adjacent to the Olympic Park, scheduled to open in 2011, will also become integral retail space for Olympics merchandise.

LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe said: "John Lewis brings 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." Hotel operator Holiday Inn, ticketing company Ticketmaster and architects Populous are among the 12 other Tier Three partners.