out-of-town shopping

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Purchasing activity provided for by the construction of a complex of shops situated out of a town or city centre.

Since the 1980s in the UK and other parts of Western Europe, there has been a rapid growth of such complexes, which are usually close to main roads, providing easy access for shoppers from several large urban areas. Proximity to suburban housing estates provides a workforce for the complex. Many retailing activities have changed location to out-of-town complexes because of business competition and the availability of large areas of unused land which is cheap in comparison to land within the town or city centre. As a result, retail companies can build larger stores, provide free parking, and offer a wide range of shops and associated facilities, such as petrol stations, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The emphasis is on shopping as a day-long activity. The shopping centres are usually pedestrianized and under cover. The development of out-of-town shopping centres is possible because of the increase in car ownership, and the desire for shops with a wider range and volume of stock. The improvement in urban roads and motorways allows shoppers and delivery lorries to travel more easily and quickly to the shopping centres.

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