If mine run away like that, they either get put in the trolley and given something to eat to make them sit there - or they get put in the carrier (which they all love anyway).

There's nothing worse than shopping centre stress - so I do my best to avoid it. Works for us here, we rarely have any stressful moments whilst shopping. Even if its the grocery shopping, I usually carry DD2, and we let DD1 and DS run around. They don't get into any mischief, just run up and down the aisles laughing and having fun, and we have no problem with that - as long as they stay in the same aisle. They don't touch anything, and if they do, they put it back when told.

I guess we could be seen as kind of "non-caring" parents who let their kids run wild, but its just a bit of fun for them, and it keeps them entertained. They come when called (and if they don't, they are told they will be put in the trolley) so I dunno.. it just works for us.

Less stress the better.