Betaband Embraces Pokémon Go Phenomenon with Discount Deal

While some retailers have eschewed the craze, San Francisco clothing company Betabrand, best known for their cordarounds pant, has embraced the Pokémon Go. Last week, they put up new Pokémon signage outside their Valencia Street location. And they're offering a sweet deal to boot.w

And if you think jumping on the Pokémon bandwagon isn’t cool, think again, haters. Even noted San Francisco Chronicle style reporter Carolyn Zinko approves.

What it is is this: If you go into Betabrand's Mission headquarters, which is an official Pokéstop, and either catch a Pokémon or use the stop while in the store, you will get 20 percent off your purchase.

Or, snap a pic in their store and/or in front of their new sign, post it using the hashtag #BetabrandGo, and you could win $100 gift card.

Smart move. The new game has driven heaps of business to local brick-and-mortars. As Inc. reports, "As Pokemon Go users traverse their towns in search of Pokemon, local stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and other businesses are capitalizing on this massive opportunity, driving huge amounts of foot traffic and conversions both with simple in-app purchases and creative marketing campaigns."

And Forbes notes that businesses can do even more to lure players cum potential customers.

Fortunately, you can do more than just embrace the game and feature it in your marketing or signage. Pokémon GO has a purchasable in-game item called a "Lure Module" which attracts Pokémon to a particular PokeStop for 30 minutes. Those Pokémon it attracts? They’re visible to and attainable by everyone in the nearby vicinity. Use it during a typically slow period of your day to get more foot traffic, and then use your creativity to turn them into a paying customer.

Way to evolve with the times, Betabrand. (Sorry.)

• Pokémon Go in San Francisco: Everything You Need to Know [Curbed SF]
• Pokémon Go Street Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts [Curbed SF]
• Betabrand [site]
• Map: Where to catch 115 Pokémon in San Francisco [Curbed SF]
• How Pokémon Go Can Lure More Customers To Your Local Business [Forbes]