Hong Kong businesses have cashed in on Pokemon Go and are still optimistic despite waning excitement for game
Malls, hotels and startups all report reaping rewards from Pokemon-related promotions, but global data shows game has lost 10 million users since July
Augmented reality smartphone game Pokemon Go has proved to be a successful marketing tool for brands trying to cash in on the craze even as initial excitement wanes.
The game, which launched in Hong Kong at the end of July, allows players to use their phones’ GPS to hunt for Pokemon – short for Pocket Monsters – in the real world.
Shopping malls, hotels and small startups have offered promotions or Pokemon-related activities to draw in crowds who flood the streets hunting for the virtual creatures.
Sun Hung Kai Properties, a major property developer in Hong Kong, said their game-related promotional campaigns have helped boost business revenue and customer traffic at five of their shopping malls by 10 per cent shortly after the game was released.
Lure Modules, an item that draws Pokemon to appear at a location for 30 minutes, were used in Sun Hung Kai’s malls to attract customers.