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Starbucks is launching a ‘Pokemon Go Frappuccino’ as its stores become gym locations
If you thought the "Pokemon Go" craze is dead, Starbucks (SBUX) would beg to disagree. The coffee giant announced on Thursday that it is launching a "Pokemon Go Frappuccino" following a partnership with Niantic, the maker of the hit mobile game.
The deal will see more than 7,800 Starbucks locations in the U.S. turn into "PokeStops" or "Gyms". A PokeStop is a location in the game where players can walk to and collect items needed to play. And Gym is where players can use their Pokemon to battle other users.
"The physical locations component of the collaboration is important to us as we look for ways to use technology to encourage exploration, exercise and real world social interaction, and Starbucks' footprint throughout the U.S. provides an awesome platform," John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, said in a press release.
Getting corporate partners to sponsor locations is a key revenue model for Niantic as it tries to monetize the game which has seen great success so far. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Starbucks will be hoping the collaboration will drive more footfall to its stores. And the coffee chain is also hoping the Pokemon Go Frappuccino – which is a blend of the company's Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with raspberry syrup, freeze-dried blackberries and topped with whipped cream – will appeal to Pokemon players.
It's not the first time that Niantic has struck a corporate deal. Earlier this week, the company announced a similar tie-up with wireless operator Sprint in the U.S.
Niantic has been updating the game regularly and announced the addition of more Pokemon to the game soon.
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