While nearly half (48%) of the survey respondents say they find it less stressful shopping at their local shopping centres compared to the high street, the majority (58%) also say they find it less enjoyable--nearly two thirds (63%) said they are less likely to window shop at shopping centres and only 22% said they viewed the experience as an enjoyable 'day out'.

Amanda Daborn, director of UK retail at American Express Establishment Services said: 'Our survey shows that while consumers appreciate the concept of shopping centres, with their range of shops conveniently housed under one roof, they still prefer the experience of shopping at their local high streets.'

When asked why they would choose to visit a shopping centre over the high street, shoppers gave as the most popular reason the convenience of a range of shops all under one roof (86%). More than three-quarters (77%) said their main reason for choosing to go to a shopping centre was to keep out of the typical British rainy weather. And 60% said the parking facilities provided at shopping centres was a winning benefit over high street shopping.

The overwhelming majority (91%) would like shopping centres to have late night opening hours, 86% want a wider range of shops, nearly three quarters (72%) would like to see a greater choice and quality of restaurants and bars, half (50%) the shoppers surveyed wished that shopping centres' decor would be modernised, and 39% would like personal shopping assistants to be available at shopping centres.