‘Pokemon Go’ catapults c-store sales in Korea
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Convenience stores in some areas in South Korea are enjoying a boom in sales brought by the latest mobile game craze ‘Pokemon Go’.
‘Pokémon Go’, an augmented reality app developed by Niantic, requires players to walk around and catch creatures called Pokémon using one’s smartphone.
The hit game is not yet available in the country but a technical glitch made it accessible in a few locations such as Sokcho, Ulsan, and Busan driving people to flock to these areas, according to The Korea Herald.
Top South Korean c-store operator CU reported that its outlets in Sokcho saw a jump in sales notably in battery charging services which rose by 388 percent and mobile accessories such as portable batteries and earphones by 82.4 percent.
A rise in demand for ice cream and cold beverages due to summer heat has also been seen so the Sokcho branch of retail chain E-mart offers free ice water, as part of its marketing campaign, to ‘Pokémon Go’ players who can catch Pokémon creatures on its premises.
Travel agencies, hotels, and retailers selling Pokémon merchandise are also cashing in on the game phenomenon.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific product categories saw the most significant sales increases at CU stores in Sokcho?
Which specific product categories saw the most significant sales increases at CU stores in Sokcho?
Battery charging services rose by 388 percent, and mobile accessories like portable batteries and earphones increased by 82.4 percent. This indicates players needed power for their phones while playing.
Q.Why has the 'Pokémon Go' game led to increased sales in only specific South Korean locations?
Why has the 'Pokémon Go' game led to increased sales in only specific South Korean locations?
A technical glitch made the game accessible in a few locations such as Sokcho, Ulsan, and Busan, even though it is not yet officially available nationwide. This drew players to these areas.
Q.What additional offerings has E-mart's Sokcho branch introduced for 'Pokémon Go' players?
What additional offerings has E-mart's Sokcho branch introduced for 'Pokémon Go' players?
E-mart's Sokcho branch offers free ice water to players who can catch Pokémon creatures on its premises. This is part of a marketing campaign to attract the game's users.
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