Bay Area Small Businesses Try To Capitalize On Pokemon Go
CAMPBELL (CBS SF) -- For some businesses, it's all about Pokémon Go, but for others it's more about Pokémon Go away.
It's been nearly a month, and for some businesses, Pokémon reality is setting in.
Rocket Fizz, the popular candy store in downtown Campbell, has seen a flood of foot traffic since being dubbed a Pokémon gym, drawing players like 16-year-old Jack Thomas. Jack said he might go buy something while at the store. But the thing is, Jack and his friends never did go inside.
Owner Lisa Pelgrim has seen a spike in sales of energy drinks.
But overall, sales last month have been surprisingly flat.
Will a businessperson pay to have a Pokemon presence at their location?
Pelgrim said, "I'm sure it's not going to be cheap. And I have a low margin business. And I've got to take those things pretty seriously."
And now a New Jersey man has filed a class-action lawsuit against Niantic, the makers of the game, complaining about virtual Pokémon showing up on his property and attracting players.
The lawsuit said the company has "…shown a flagrant disregard for the foreseeable consequences of populating the real world with virtual Pokémon without seeking the permission of property owners…"
Parent company Nintendo said they're updating the game so it remains fun for players but respects the real world.
We didn't hear back from Niantic, so it's unclear how the algorithm chooses Pokémon stops, or how to opt out.
Pelgrim isn't giving up, and she has a few ideas to try and lure the Pokémon trainers into the store.
