Pokémon Go has became a global phenomenon played by almost 10 million people in less than a week. Look anywhere and you'll see "trainers" walking up and down the street, intently staring at their phones for the telltale flurry of leaves that indicates a Pokémon is close.
Naturally, people have immediately been exploring ways to turn this viral sensation into a profit. Enterprising businesses and individuals around D.C. have been quick to find ways to tap the enthusiasm surrounding the game. Check out nine ways people around the District are cashing in on the urge to catch 'em all.
Bump N’ Grind - Capitalize on PokéStop/Gym Status
The real world locations of virtual PokéStops, where players can pick up items, and Gyms, where players engage in battle, are becoming coveted real estate because of the increase in potential customers. Coffee shop Bump N’ Grind in Silver Spring capitalized on its status as a gym by offering a selection of Pokémon-themed drinks, like the Doduo Espresso and Nidoran Latte.
Camelot Showbar - The Lure Module
On the virtual map, Lure Modules activated at PokéStops cause them to explode with pink confetti, signaling nearby players that Pokémon are more easily caught at that spot. Camelot Showbar, a strip club (and also a PokéStop) situated a couple blocks south of Dupont circle, strategically uses the Lure Module to attract customers as well as Pokémon. The Lure Module can be purchased in-game with real cash. Camelot's marketing director told DC Inno that she has seen an uptick in social media interaction with the strip club's posts. The marketer could not share revenue numbers.
9:30 Club - Battle for Merch
Concert venue 9:30 Club is another business attempting to leverage Pokémon Go for more sales. The club is offering a new merch promotion, where players that battle their way to the top of the on-site Gym have a chance to win points to spend at the 9:30 merch store.
The National Park Service - Hunts and Tours
NPS posted on Facebook on Monday, announcing upcoming Pokémon hunts and tours supervised by park rangers. Partly, they are to help steer gamers away from more places like the Vietnam Memorial, but it's also in an effort to teach visitors more history. Spokesperson Mike Litterst pointed out to DC Inno that the National Mall was the first national park to have a mobile app that used augmented reality tech to identify buildings with the on-board camera, and that the new Pokémon game opens up the possibility of integrating more augmented reality into the park experience.
Craigslist: Chauffeurs
Craigslist has become a marketplace for a number of locals looking to make money by providing services complimentary to Pokémon Go, or even outright monetizing game accounts. There are already a couple posts up from people offering driving services. They have titles like, “PokeGoMobile - Personal Pokemon Go Trainer,” and “POKEMON GO DRIVER. Catch while I drive.” Chauffeurs advertise their value with features like air conditioning and “niceeee bass.” The going rate seems to be around $20 per hour.
Craigslist: Surrogate Walkers
After an incubation period which diminishes based on the distance the trainer travels, a Pokémon egg hatches a (hopefully rare) Pokémon. One person down in Fairfax is offering to incubate eggs at the cost of $5 per hour. Their qualifications: "I am a trained runner who has run in the Marine Corps Marathon and a multitude of smaller races."
Craigslist: Real estate
Location, location, location. Proximity to PokéSpots as an attractive housing feature is appearing in Craigslist real estate ads, for apartments available to rent in places like Dupont Circle and Bethesda. For would-be movers looking to score a Ivysaur and Venusaur, one Dulles Green, VA apartment might be just right for you.
Craigslist: Consulting
At least two people in the area are offering services as professional Pokémon Go consultants, drawing on the experience they’ve accrued in the past week since the game was released.
Craigslist: Accounts for Cash
Rather bluntly, one DC-area player is outright selling Pokémon accounts, a common industry that grows around popular games video games. Would you pay $80 for a level 16 account? How about a rare Pikachu to sweeten the deal?
