@jeder I think this is mostly because of supermarkets outcompeting smaller stores and them consequently having to move closer to supermarkets to have even a chance of attracting people
Also there's many cities that started off as a lintdorp (linear development) for idk reasons, that might also be a major cause
Finally I guess it's what dutchies like. Most people (as you said) bike to the shops. I don't, am limited to a Jumbo and a couple meh smaller shops, and don't really like it (Jumbo fucking sucks)