Downtown Spending Study

A recent survey by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership shows that there are more people spending more money downtown than in 2006. PDP CEO Michael Edwards says there is a change in dynamic because Downtown Pittsburgh is evolving in many ways. For instance, there are more people living in downtown, as well as more businesses that are now based in downtown. Also, Edwards says they have partnered with other companies to make downtown more aesthetically pleasing with planters and hanging baskets. Market Square is also being renovated in order to make it a more prominent downtown destination.

According to the study, total average spending increased from $47 per person per week in 2006 to $66 last September. Also, among the growing number of people who live downtown, the survey shows that they spend an average of $134 per week. Edwards says this is an important distinction to recognize because this means that the residents have more impact than ones who only work in downtown.