BUSINESS INSIDER
regional chamber of commerce
P r o m o t i n g a n d e n h a n c in g b u s i n e s s w i t h i n t h e C e r r i t o s a re a
Volume XIV, Issue II
August 2016
Go Pokemon Go! By Scott Smith
Let’s Do Lunch!
A great group attended the Chamber’s Let’s Do Lunch Networking Luncheon at Thai Mayom Restaurant . More on Page 6
State of the Nation Luncheon
With Congresswoman Linda Sanchez Wednesday, August 17, 2016 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Sheraton Cerritos Hotel
Networking Mixer “Buffalo Wild Wings” Thursday, August 25, 2016 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 11255 E. 183rd Street - Cerritos
Let’s Do Breakfast “Polly’s Pies”
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 8:00 am - 9:30 am 17198 Norwalk Blvd.- Cerritos
Taste of the Region & Business Expo Wednesday, September 28, 2016 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
You may have noticed folks walking individually and in groups staring at their phones a bit more over the past few weeks. It is likely they are doing more than looking at social media. In fact, they are probably playing Pokémon Go. This mobile game has energized people across the nation and across the globe. If you have yet to play this game on your smartphone, let me explain it to you. This is an app based game where you download the game for free and use the app to find Pokémon - at locations called Pokestops. The goal is to “catch” them by “throwing” a Pokeball at them. The more you catch, the higher your level goes. The higher your level goes, the more access you have to “additional” features. For example, once you hit Level 5, you are able to “fight” at a “gym.” This is about the extent of my knowledge of the game, although my experience level is slowly climbing thanks to my teenage sons. You might ask; Pokémon Go is a popular game, so what? If you own a business, you might want to pay attention to this game. Since this game can be played anywhere, which means it could lead people to your business. A recent article in Forbes stated that “In less than a week, the phenomenon of Pokémon Go has completely transformed retail business.” Think about that for a moment. This app-based game is redefining retailing. It is driving customers to or near local businesses and restaurants - even as you read this! Not convinced your business could benefit from this craze? There is now evidence that consumers are choosing businesses to visit based on the availability of Pokémon in the area. Business Insider recently published an article claiming that Pokémon Go players are making restaurant choices with how many Pokémon are in or around the eatery. The article actually published tweets showing how consumers are making their dining decisions based on Pokémon availability. It further points out that some customers had even complained when Pokémon was not in or around a restaurant. You might be wondering just how you get Pokémon into your business. Believe it or not, it is as simple as inviting them. Of course, this could cost you. Lures are used to attract the Pokémon that players want to catch. Forbes notes that Pokémon Lure Modules are available for purchase at the physical location of the business. This will drive game characters to that location for about 30 minutes. According to the article, the cost comes out to about $1.19 per hour during business operating hours. CNBC recently noted the success of this marketing ploy when they highlighted L’inzio Pizza Bar in New York City who raised weekend business by 75 percent using Lure Modules. Some businesses are becoming savvy about using lures. Marketplace found a California coffee shop offering to drop a lure for every 15 drinks purchased. Another way is for businesses to provide a discount to Pokémon Go players who drop their own lures. A pizza restaurant offered $4 off for those players who dropped their own lures - using Pokecoins they either earned or purchased - which would drive more potential customers into the restaurant.
Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce · 13259 E. South Street · Cerritos, CA 90703 phone: (562) 467-0800 · fax: (562) 467-0840 · chamber@cerritos.org · www.cerritos.org