I don't know what did it, but I suspect that Business rates and uncapped energy costs did much more to close businesses than mortgage rates. Shops are often rented and even amongst the buying public, many are in rented homes or with mortgages not yet impacted.
But you confirm that you see the same rubbish high streets.
I was in the rather affluent area of Wilmslow and Alderley Edge last week. Their high streets are populated by bistros and Rolex shops and Aston Martin dealerships. Their charity shops sell designer gear
But even those high streets looked distinctly down beat and distressed. Costa Coffee and Waitrose were quiet and the only place that seemed to be prospering was Greggs.
It's all relative.