Sask. businesses cashing in on Pokemon Go craze

Pokemon Go is now officially available in Canada and Saskatchewan businesses are cashing in on the craze.

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So far, many cafes and landmarks have been lucky enough to be labelled Pokestops in the augmented reality game. These are locations where players can catch the little monsters or stock up on items like Pokeballs.

"One of the most important parts of the game is using lure modules to attract Pokemon to Pokestops," explained Adam Uzialko, a staff writer for Business News Daily.

Lures arein-game markers that drawPokemonto a specific location.

"Trainers will come to the area that has the luremodulesset on it to try to catch themand that's really useful for businesses,"Uzialkosaid.

Lure party

Regina-based restaurant, Tangerine: The Food Bar, hosted a lure party this week with Pokemon themed drinks.

"Business owners can actually download the game and purchase some of these luremodulesin the store and continuously put them on thePokestops nearest to them back to back in hopes that people will continue to hang around," said Uzialko.

But he said there are also more creative ways that don't involve spending cash.

"Instead of having to download the game and having to buy the lures themselves, they've just been offering rewards to players for actually placing the luremoduleson their location."

For example, he said, a local restaurant gives Pokemon trainers discounted drinks if they place the luremodulesat their locationforthe rest of the night.