As has often been said “The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again.” The high street has to become more relevant to consumers, and Dave you are right in what you say. "Experiential" is a phrase often used where shops become more like showrooms for customers - I guess we are some way off this yet, but suggest that Apple are closest. However, similarly those shopping areas ( whether their be high streets, retail parks or shopping centres) where they successfully combine retail, and leisure (restaurants, cinema etc) to create a family day out are certainly performing better. Parking charges continue to be a big issue, possibly equally big as rent and rates, since they really put customers off, and can dictate where people shop from the outset.
Thankfully in Llandudno and Conwy we have so much still to be thankful for in terms of reasons to visit beyond shops, and fewer empty shops than many towns as a result, and whilst parking continues to not be easy, a little persistence normally allows you to find a free space. Colwyn Bay town centre is a different proposition altogether however, will the new council offices be the regeneration spark that is hoped for? Time will tell.
As I say it will be interesting on what 2019 will bring. I would suggest a Debenhams CVA is likely as they need to loose some non performing stores.
What we shouldn't forget is the employees at the centre of this and how often poor leadership, greed, failure to modernise the business by senior management has left them in this position.