Against the general trend of retrenchment in 2009, many international retailers are planning big expansions in central and Eastern Europe.

Property company it expects several of the world's biggest retail players to invest throughout southern and eastern Europe in 2009, Reuters reports.

2009 is set to be a year of opportunity, Jones Lang LaSalle says, and deals are likely to be very favourable for tenants even in prime locations, with the best lease terms available for the best brands with strong covenants,' said James Dolphin, head of pan-European Retail Agency.

Rents in Istanbul, Warsaw, Prague and Athens were among the fastest-growing in Europe in 2008, Jones Lang LaSalle reported at the end of last year.

'Western and Southern Europe will become more attractive to North American brands in 2009 and we forecast a range of retailers including Forever 21, Anthropologie, Hollister and Crate & Barrel to take advantage of the favourable deals that will be available,' Mr Dolphin said.

Robin Bowman