Pokémon Go Spurs The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Can You Cash In?

Nintendo’s market value surged by 7.5 billion in just two days after launching this mobile scavenger hunt game. That’s a huge financial win for what’s essentially a digital treasure hunt. The question is, can you capitalize on this trend too?

Here’s How It Works

Players’ phones vibrate when they’re near these little creatures. To catch them, players throw a virtual ball aiming to collect all 150. Users can also “lure” Pokémon to PokéStops, making these creatures available to everyone nearby for 30 minutes. There are “gyms” where players can battle with their Pokémon.

Can You Cash In?

Business owners were quick to notice the opportunity. If your retail business is near a PokéStop, welcome these players by posting a sign. For instance, a clothing store put up a whiteboard sign saying “Gotta catch 'em all, in style,” which gained media attention from Money and Forbes.

Give Players Some Help

One café located conveniently between two Pokémon stops “lured” players by offering 25 phone chargers, solving a key gameplay issue—drained mobile batteries.

Join The Game

A Tennessee tour company created exclusive Pokémon-themed tours, booking seven tours within 24 hours and charging $45 per person.

Cast Your Lure

A New York pizza bar spent $10 on lure modules, and saw sales jump 75% the following weekend.

Want to Lure Some Pokémon Players?

Download the app and find the nearest PokéStops to your business. Use lure modules to attract Pokémon—and players—to your location for about 30 minutes; each lure costs only $1. If this sounds complicated, ask your kids—they’ll likely know what to do.

Remember: A savvy entrepreneur stays ahead of trends and leverages them to their advantage.

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