Eight businesses that have taken Pokémon Go marketing to the next level

If you’ve been living under a rock recently, you may not have heard about the Pokémon Go phenomenon that is sweeping the globe. The app has more daily users than Twitter and Tinder, people have gotten fired over it, and Democratic presidential nominee Hilary Clinton has even spoken about it.

The game itself is fairly simple. Users are presented with a Google maps style layout of their surroundings, and can walk around their city to find and catch small creatures known as Pokémon. These Pokémon can be levelled up, and keen users can battle their Pokémon against other users Pokémon.

Various different notable locations around Australia have been turned into Pokéstops, where users can refill on Pokéballs, the devices used to catch Pokémon. Various ‘gyms’ also exist across Australia, where three different teams (red, blue, and yellow) can battle it out for control of the location.

In the games’ week-and-a-half lifespan, it has been explored in every way possible by businesses and the media. One of these ways is how Pokémon Go can attract more customers to your business, and many Australian businesses have tried different ways to make some Pokésales.

Here’s eight businesses that have taken Pokemon Go marketing to the next level. If you’ve sighted any businesses trying to catch ‘em all (customers, not Pokémon) let us know in the comments below.

1. Readings Bookstores capitalised on a nearby PokeStop with an artistic take on a Pokéball

Readings Carlton is a Pokéstop, which means you can get your books AND your Poké Balls from the International Bookstore of the Year. #books #reading #bookshop #bookstore #bookstagram #book #bookworm #booklover #read #reader #shelfie #pokemongo

A photo posted by Readings (@readingsbooks) on Jul 11, 2016 at 12:29am PDT

2. Woolworths gave its Facebook fans tips to catch Pokémon in store

The post advises shoppers to avoid common Pokémon such as Zubat, which may go against the timeless ‘catch ’em all’ adage.

3. Virgin Mobile Australia allows trainers to top up their phone’s charge in store

Pokémon Go is a very battery hungry app, and many users have taken to carrying around portable charge packs to get a bit of extra Pokéjuice.

It’s all Go until you run out of bat! From today, charge your phone for free in our stores #CatchThemAll #GoBattery pic.twitter.com/t0zMJvGMki

— Virgin Mobile Aus (@VirginMobileAus) July 12, 2016

4. Doughnut Time took to Instagram to promote Pokéball Nutella-filled doughnuts

It might be wise to avoid throwing these at any Pokémon, unless that Pokémon is your stomach.

We’ve got something a little stronger than incense to lure out your Pokemon. More revealed tomorrow! #gottacatchemall #doughnut #master

A video posted by DOUGHNUT TIME (@doughnut_time) on Jul 13, 2016 at 2:41am PDT

5. East Brunswick Hotel in Melbourne erected a sign out the front of the pub, which also doubles as a gym location in the game

The sign advertises a free jug of beer for the current leader of the gym.

@SmartCompany From my local pub. pic.twitter.com/FkImZaoA4f

— OzBargain Buzz (@OzBargainBuzz) July 11, 2016

6. Melbourne Central’s Pancake Parlour set up a number of Pokémon Nights at the store

Users can pay $12 for some pancakes, free Wi-Fi and constant Lure Module activation. Lure Modules are purchasable in-game items that attract Pokémon to the area for 30 minutes at a time.

NEW #PokemonParlour sessions now OPEN, including Melb Central. Limited spots available! https://t.co/rHyYWSLAw7 pic.twitter.com/bwsp85Wvwb

— The Pancake Parlour (@pancakeparlour) July 14, 2016

7. Australian Bananas used Facebook to warn users of the Pokémon known as ‘Mankey’ hiding near bananas nationwide

The Pokémon looks a lot like a monkey, but it is unknown if they share the same love for bananas.

8. Finally, AirNZ promoted it’s Pokémon-catching Snapchat story on Instagram, posting an image of rock-type Pokémon ‘Geodude’

Having one of it’s primary moves as ‘Earthquake’, some customers may not be comfortable with a Geodude near any airplanes.

When you catch them all before catching a flight ✈️? See how our Pokemon Go airport mission went over on Snapchat (airnewzealand) #PokemonGO #CatchThemAll #MakingTheMostOfYourLayover #AirNZShareMe

A photo posted by Air New Zealand (@airnz) on Jul 10, 2016 at 9:45pm PDT