Study Sheds Light on Spending Habits of Loop Visitors

Some interesting findings in a survey that looked at the spending preferences of people who visit the Delmar Loop area.

The Loop retail study was funded by Washington University in partnership with the East and West Loop Special Business Districts.

Cheryl Adelstein, Director of Community Relations and Local Governmental Affairs for Wash U presented the preliminary findings of the study at Tuesday's meeting of the Loop Special Business District.

The survey was conducted in April. The information was garnered from 270 completed surveys. A mix of U City residents, workers, metro area residents, students and tourists were polled.

The following are the questions and responses:

What would you say is your primary purpose for visiting The Delmar Loop today? (the highest being 50 percent)

• 45 percent said they were there to walk around/enjoy the atmosphere
• 30 percent said for dining
• 20 precent said retail shopping
• 5 percent said they were there for the nightlife
• Less than 5 percent said for art and culture

Within the last year, how often would you say that you have come to The Loop? (the highest being 40 percent)

• More than 30 percent said a few times a week
• About 29 percent said a few times a month
• Nearly 15 percent said daily
• A little more than 10 percent said a few times a year

When you visit The Delmar Loop, what are the restaurants you tend to visit? (the highest being 60 percent)

• 50 percent said
• 25 percent said
• A little more than 20 percent said
• 20 percent said
• 15 percent said
• 14 percent said
• A little over 10 percent said Noodles & Co. or .
• Respondents also noted that they visit Fro Yo, , , Gyros House, Pi, and .

More than 50 percent of the respondents said they take a car or motorcycle when they visit The Loop, 35 percent said they walk and 10 percent said they take the bus. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 8% said the MetroLink and around 5% answered other. 

When you visit The Delmar Loop, what are the recreational attractions that you tend to visit? (the highest being 40 percent)

• 30 percent said
• more than 20 percent said
• 15 percent said or The Pin-Up Bowl
• Nearly 10 percent said 

When you visit The Delmar Loop, what are the retail stores you tend to visit? (the highest being 40 percent)

• 30 percent said
• 15 percent said Other
• 10 percent said
• About the same number of respondents—5 percent—said, Big Shark Bicycle Company, , or .

Do you ever visit The Loop for professional services?

• No: 85 percent
• Yes: 15 percent

Do you ever visit The Loop for hair care services?

• No: 90 percent
• Yes: 4 percent

"I come to the Delmar Loop primarily for the restaurants."

• Agree: 30 percent
• Somewhat agree: 22 percent
• Neither agree nor disagree: 16 percent
• Somewhat disagree: 13 percent
• Disagree: 19 percent

Please name some other places in the St. Louis area that you feel are comparable to The Delmar Loop. (the highest being 60 percent)

• 45 percent said Central West End
• 30 percent said Other
• 20 percent said Downtown St. Louis
• Nearly 10 percent said Downtown Clayton

These findings are preliminary.

Editor's Note: The study also looked at the spending patterns of Washington University students in the Loop. U City Patch will publish those preliminary findings on Thursday.