What do we call retail areas located outside city centers?

Retail areas located outside city centers are commonly referred to as retail parks. These zones typically consist of a collection of retail outlets, often featuring large store formats, and are designed to cater to shoppers who prefer to drive to their destinations, providing ample parking space.

Retail parks emerge in the suburbs or on the outskirts of urban areas and are strategically located to attract customers from surrounding neighborhoods and beyond. They are characterized by a mix of large retailers and sometimes smaller shops, all in one accessible location. This arrangement allows for convenience shopping and can greatly enhance the shopping experience by integrating various services and goods in a single visit.

Shopping malls, while similar in the sense that they host multiple retail outlets, are usually situated closer to or within city centers, making them distinct from retail parks. Business parks and commercial estates generally refer to areas designated for office spaces or industrial use rather than retail, thus defining their purpose quite differently.