We are from Cheshire.
The first example I can give is of a family business ran by 3 brothers that had 3 shops, all shops had been in business for 20+ years:
1st shop sold bicycles + offered bike mending service
2nd shop sold diy goods
3rd shop sold toys / post office / delivered papers
The 2nd shop selling diy goods had to be sold to raise money to support the other two shops. Also, as larger diy stores, ie Focus, B&Q moved into area they basically undercut the prices.
The 3rd shop that sold toys / post office / delivered papers was sold off after that (had been in business 30 years as 'Toys R Us' moved into the next town. Post office part of it had to shut down like many of them. The paper delivery service was, in my opinion, an outdated concept due to the fact that we already have 2 main supermarkets where you could buy papers and which are closer to the town. The toy shop which was once positioned alongside other family businesses was then surrounded by take-aways and closed pubs so there would be not other reason to pass by the shop, even to browse.
The 1st shop that sells lower end of the market bicycles does not have much competition at all, except from perhaps Halfords but that is 2 miles out of town. The bike shop is positioned in an area of the town which would be attractive for people or interested in cheaper bicycles and they also offer a pick up, mend and delivery service.
The money gained from the other two shops has been chanelled into keeping the bike shop going, ie maintenance of the old building and is still thriving. The grandsons now run it.
Sorry if a little bit confusing but I hope it helps!