The only non independent shops on my high street are, well, is the CoOp.
All sorts of other stuff; 'experiences' eg nails, barbers etc, estate agents, antiques/vintage bollocks, convenience stores, restaurants/bars/cafes and a 'posh' butcher and draper.
It's a good mix tbh.
Unfortunately, because it's a nice high street, there is more demand for retail units and commercial property owners utterly take the piss.
If you want to find the root of gentrification, that's it, right there.