Our local shopping centre is much, much smaller than Bluewater Frazz, a lot of the big shops are in the precinct, but the others are all spread about but all within easy reach. We've also got a big Boots and Superdrug in then precinct.
My nearest town is a smallish historic market town with a river running through it. Lots of local shops all trading well, plus Morrisons and an M&S food store next to each other....plus a plethora of charity shops. Always busy and hard to find a parking spot, particularly on market days when the centre is closed to traffic. But very convenient for us just a few minutes drive away. Our ancient village has just one shop/post office, but it has a dilapidated castle!
I tried it at a local village hall day for various therapy treatments. I didn't find it as enjoyable as I thought I would, plus I had to walk round with tatty hair until I got home!