Final answer:
A strip mall is an open-air retail complex with a row of stores and a parking lot in front, typically anchored by major grocery stores and surrounded by various retail outlets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a location that contains a row of stores with a parking lot directly in front of them is a strip mall.
Unlike traditional malls with their enclosed walkways, a strip mall is an open-air retail complex where the storefronts are in a line with parking in front.
While traditional malls and shopping centers might offer a variety of amenities and are typically larger, a strip mall provides convenience for shoppers looking for quick access to specific stores.
It is not uncommon for major grocery stores to anchor a strip mall, surrounded by other retail outlets selling a variety of products.
Department stores are typically larger establishments that feature a wide range of goods under one roof and are often found within shopping malls rather than strip malls.