International retailers are fighting for space in Russia, according to Rachel Lavine, CEO of Atrium European Real Estate.

'At the beginning of the crisis, we were giving 40% discounts to tenants in Russia to support them. But the big retailers continued to expand in 2008 and 2009 and now in 2011 are fighting for space in Kazan and Volgograd.'

Speaking during the Forum of CEOs on the first day of the ICSC conference in Paris on Wednesday, Lavine said one international retailer that was boosting its presence in Russia is the French retailer Auchan. 'Auchan is expanding strongly.'

Lavine added that Atrium was keen to expand in Russia, but indicated that financing remained tight and that capital markets were still not open. 'If the money is there, it is very expensive.'

Atriun has seven shopping centres in Russia, including one in Moscow and one in St. Petersberg. Lavine added, however, that the company has an extensive landbank in Russia that is good for about 25 new projects.