Pokémon Go – A True Game Changer For Retailers

It’s been just a few weeks since ‘Pokémon Go’ was released — a game that lets you live between the real world and its virtual one — and the world has gone crazy. Attracting kids and adults alike, this game has taken the world by storm, and is being played by millions of iPhone and Android users across the globe.

While players exercise their needs to discover new Pokémon, retailers stand to discover tangible benefits from the game — brands and marketers have more than one reason to be a part of the ‘Pokémon Go’ craze.

Leveraging The ‘Pokémon Go’ Madness To Your Advantage

Pokémon Go is the most downloaded app since its launch. If reports are to be believed,attractive advertising opportunities are making their way to the app shortly. You will be able to make the most of this by posting ads to drive traffic to your stores.

But we’re not just talking about possible ads in the future.

The search for Pokémon can take players anywhere — even your store. While many store owners prevent players inside their stores (unless of course, they intend to make a purchase), others are happy with the increase in foot traffic, even if it’s Pokémon-induced.

The ‘PokeStop’

Retailers can also consider purchasing a Lure Module with the gaming app, which takes you to PokeStops—places in the game that allows you to collect Pokemon balls and eggs so that you can catch more Pokémon. These PokeStops last for 30 minutes, enough for customers to look around your store and make a purchase.

Many eateries in New York saw a rise in sales after they dropped a lure. Some restaurants are actually advertising their locations as Pokémon Gyms and PokeStops.

Store owners are also coming up with special deals for Pokémon Go players. Retailers also have other ways of attracting players into their stores. According to the Financial Times, Niantic Labs (the creator of Pokémon Go) is planning to let businesses and retailers sponsor locations for gaming activities.

Although nothing has been confirmed by John Hanke (the CEO of Niantic Labs) yet, several techies claim to have discovered evidences in the game’s code that big eateries have forged such a partnership.

To sum it up, here’s a list of things you can do to capitalize on the Pokémon Go craze:

• Advertise on the app: Though the creators are yet to announce the release of Pokémon Go’s advertising platform, it’s just a matter of time for it happen. Advertising on the app can go a long way in helping you getting noticed.

• Sponsor a PokeStop: Many retailers are already sponsoring PokeStops at their brick-and-mortar stores, in a (highly successful) bid to attract players. You can use this to your advantage, opening PokeStops at all your outlets.

• Offer Game Support: The game makes use of the GPS app present in mobile devices; as players stay glued to the game for long hours, their batteries get depleted fast. Your store can throw open your doors, offering it as a sort of free charging hub. This is sure to earn you goodwill; as players stay in your store for a longer bouts, you might even be able to convert a couple of leads.

Hanging signs like ‘Pokémon-friendly’ on the window can also attract tired and weary players who are finding it tough to hunt their Pokémon down the main street. You can also connect with players on social media, alerting them on recent developments like rare Pokémon spotted near your store or starting campaigns like ‘free gifts for Pokémon Go players,’ and otherwise using the popular app to drive sales.

An Insight Into The Future

Is the Pokémon Go craze here to stay? It’s hard to say how long this craze will last. However, as of now, it’s being used by millions of people, and the number is likely to increase in the coming days and weeks as well. Retailers and brands can jump on the bandwagon, taking advantage of this craze to attract more foot traffic into their stores.

The Pokémon Go fever still seems to be growing. While many retailers and businesses have already delved into its potential, there are still many other things that retailers can learn from the app.

Pokémon Go is a great example of how seamlessly the virtual world can blend with the real one. It’s a solid example of augmented reality. This great app succeeded in not only blending both worlds, but actually incorporating real world interactions into a game world effectively.

Friends (and strangers) playing this game get off their couches and talk to each other to hunt down Pokémon.  The best way to look at this game would be as a smartly designed platform that connects multiple pieces of technology to create a powerful product that can be monetized in various ways.

This is possibly the best time for retailers to make the most out of it, as the future of this game is still uncertain.