Strand Shopping Centre

Yep. What you see is what you get.
Another shopping center where heavy smokers congregate at every entrance.
Did I actually go in!!!
Nope. Why would I walk through that. If I pumped nicotine outside my front door and cigarette smoke would that be inviting to anybody. I don’t think so.
The security just stand around chatting to each other and don’t even think of moving people on. This place like many other shopping centres across the UK should have no smoking zones and if people have to smoke they should walk away from the door and have consideration for others health.
So the answer is nope. Won’t be going anywhere near here until they clean up their act.
Once again poor management and the expectation that people will just fall into line.

The Strand Shopping Centre is a fairly big shopping centre in Bootle which offers both your usual big chain stores like Marks and Spencer, Boots, WH Smith’s, etc., but also has a fairly good variety of independent shops if that’s your preference.
This shopping centre kind of seems wind on and on like a maze. I think I got turned around about ten different times. There are a good amount of shops, and it’s well worth the visit if you don’t want to go all the way to Liverpool, or all the way to Southport, depending where you live.
There are is also a fairly good amount of places to eat inside, and outside across the street from the shopping centre.

Yes, the Strand is ok. I do tend to by pass it in favour of the city centre which is only another 10 minutes on the train, but it’s good if I’m desperate: last minute birthday gifts/​cards, emergency nose studs when mine have fallen out in the night, an Argos outlet a little closer to home for those heavy purchases. There are a reported 130 shops in the Strand, and they are pretty good, probably better namewise than St John’s precinct in Liverpool, with Marks and Spencers, Boots, Thorntons, WH Smith, Superdrug, New Look, Clinton’s, mobile phone shops, pet shops, clothes shops and innumerable discount stores, such as Wilkinsons, Poundland and B&M. There are few restaurants or cafes, at least none that really appeal, perhaps why I consider the Strand a dash around sort of shop; get in get out.
There are good parking facilities, which is really reasonably priced.

The Strand Shopping Mall in Bootle is usually where all the locals go for shopping as there is a large array of different shops to choose from. It hasn’t changed a lot since over a decade ago; its layout remains the same and has similar shops that would attract those on a budget since it has many bargain stores.
In terms of class, it is certainly not upmarket and not the most attractive of Shopping Centres but it is okay for a day out. They have a lower and upper mall operated by lifts/​escalators. It is easy to get lost on a first visit but it is also easy to walk around in circles! It is a good place to buy basic items for the home as they have a variety of discount stores like B and M, Poundworld and Poundstretcher.
The mall could do with air conditioning as it is often warm inside. It is spacious enough though and has plenty of room to manœuvre wheelchairs and pushchairs.