Updated on June 26, 2019: You’ve probably seen Pokémon GO players, outside, laughing with their eyes glued to their smartphones.
What is Pokémon GO?
Pokémon GO is an Augmented Reality (AR) experience from Niantic in which players capture virtual Pokémon creatures in order to train them and have them compete in battles with other players. Since its release, Pokémon GO has seen over 24 million daily users across Apple and Android devices—in the US alone.
Some online pundits have called it the future of social media and a retail game changer. In its early days, Pokémon GO could boast that it had seen more usage than Twitter, Tinder, and other popular social media apps. While that number has dropped since its initial viral phase, the game is still enjoyed by millions in the US and tens of millions worldwide. One thing is for certain—Pokémon GO has gotten people out of their homes and into parks, on to walking trails and near retail districts as they try and catch ‘em all.
So, how do you get all of those people into your store?
Gotta catch ‘em all…
Pokémon GO offers several unique and exciting retail opportunities.
First, it can increase foot traffic. Forbes suggests that retailers embrace the craze by dropping lures at nearby Pokestops to draw in business. A “lure” is an in-game community item that draws Pokémon creatures to set locations—and if you have a lure near your store, that automatically results in more foot traffic from people hunting Pokémon. Lures must be purchased through the Pokemon GO app using in-game currency, also purchased in the app. They last for 30 minutes and cost .99 cents each, but they can be purchased in bundles of 8 for a slight discount.
Also, retailers can offer incentives to players. According to Inc., 59% of players are men, and 41% are women, with the average player age being 29. Players are most active on weekday evenings (Monday through Thursday) and weekend afternoons. 84% of players have visited businesses while out playing, and 84% of that 84% are women. Creating in-store discounts for these consumers could be highly profitable. Make sure you take advantage of social media and your company’s blog to help promote any deals or incentives you plan to provide.
Gear for Trainers
You may consider setting up a display to target different users. Pokémon GO drains power, fast. Display portable power to give Poké hunters a longer-lasting experience. Petra offers a wide variety of power banks, the perfect option for the trainer on the prowl.
Many players are using Pokémon GO as an opportunity for exercise. Some tasks require them to walk a set distance—a fitness tracker may be perfect for those trainers. Another trick of the game is that some Pokémon are only available during certain parts of the day, so for those night trekkers, a flashlight or headlamp may do the trick.
The Future of AR Gaming
Other AR based games have been released since the debut of Pokémon GO, but perhaps none has been more anticipated than Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Also developed by Niantic, it’s very similar to Pokémon GO, but themed around the beloved Harry Potter franchise. Released on June 21, 2019, it’s not nearly as viral as it’s Pokécessor—with only 400,000 downloads on day 1—but it’s shaping up to be the next big AR game, with many speculating that other popular franchises may decide to develop their own AR games.
No matter what you need, Petra has you covered. As you continue to figure out how to embrace the craze and bring in more customers, remember that Petra has the gear Pokémon trainers need.