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John Lewis said today it will open a department store and Waitrose supermarket at the Olympic site in London in time for the Games in 2012.
The company unveiled plans to open the two shops in 2010 at the Stratford City retail development next to the Olympic Park.
The £50 million project will be a major boost to the Olympic project and Stratford area and will create 800 jobs.
John Lewis chairman Sir Stuart Hampson said: "It will create sustainable new jobs, boost the economy, help to regenerate the area for the local community and provide a proud and lasting legacy after the 2012 London Olympic Games."
It came as John Lewis reported a 25% rise in pre-tax profits of £97 million at its department stores and Waitrose in the six months to July 29.
John Lewis is the first retailer to commit publicly to the Stratford City retail project and said the two sites would be a "strong attraction" for customers.
"This marks a significant step forward in the delivery of a quality shopping environment and comprehensive infrastructure in 2010 in advance of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games," the company said.
Michael Gutman, managing director of Stratford City developer Westfield, said the commitment of "these two premium brands" was "a significant milestone" for the project.
And Olympic Delivery Authority chief executive David Higgins added: "We welcome the announcement of the first retailer to take a store at Stratford City, which will contribute to the long-term sustainable legacy of the Stratford area after the Games."
The Stratford City development includes 1.8 million square feet of shops and leisure space and 5,000 car parking spaces. It is part of the wider regeneration of the area which could include up to 4,000 new homes.
John Lewis said the opening of the Stratford department store was one of at least 10 planned from next year, including sites in Liverpool, Leicester, Oxford, Leeds, Sheffield, Cardiff and Portsmouth.
Copyright Press Association 2006
