Unfortunately it used to be the public that went up and down the Font Street that would influence anyone in business to open a shop.
These days it's only the things you can't but online - Hair dresser/Barbers - Nail Bar - Beauty Salon & Cafe that will tempt a business owner.
I can't imagine a business owner thinking - what retail shop could I open, in any town, that will bring in joe public during normal working hours? The majority of families, weather house owners or renters, have all the bread winners working. Even after child birth the parent wants to get back to work asap, even when child minding costs as much as they will earn.
Even green grocers can't compete with the way the Supermarkets have forced the farming industry prices to below what an independent Highstreet trader could make a decent living from.
I have always though that Supermarkets should only sell food; not clothes, cosmetics, gardening tools & plants, electrical goods etc. etc.
I wonder if by 2050 house will be built without kitchens - ever meal delivered to your door!!