Survey Shows Students Spend Majority of Money in Loop on Food

A survey finds that Washington University students spend most of their money in the Delmar Loop area on food.

The student spending analysis was funded by Washington University in partnership with the East and West Loop special business districts. The survey looked at the spending habits of Washington University students in The Loop.

Cheryl Adelstein, director of community relations and local governmental affairs for Washington University, presented the preliminary findings of the study at Tuesday's meeting of the Loop Special Business District.

The online survey was conducted in May. The information was culled from more than 2,000 completed surveys. Only undergraduates were analyzed.

The following are some of the findings of the study:

Students spend an average of $4,370 each, of which $1,010 is spent in the Loop area. That means about 25 percent of student spending is captured in the study area, The Loop.

Student spending is dominated by food. Groceries and dining represent 64 percent of total spending.

Student spending by category

• Dining: 40 percent
• Grocery: 24 percent
• Apparel: 10 percent
• General merchandise: 10 percent
• Hobby, books, music, sports: 7 percent
• Miscellaneous: 3 percent
• Electronics: 3 percent
• Home furnishings: 2 percent
• Building Materials: 1 percent

The Loop captures about half of student spending on dining, but only about 6 percent of grocery spending. It also captures some student spending on "consumer goods," but struggles to compete with malls and big box stores.

Suggested venues to be added to The Loop:

• Grocery store such as Trader Joe's or Culinaria
• Selective brands such as an Urban Outfitters or Crocs store
• Convenience retailers such as Walgreens or CVS
• Enhanced restaurant mix including upscale restaurants and brewpubs