Pokemon Go: Businesses bombard Singapore with lures blitzkrieg
PUBLISHED ONAugust 10, 2016 2:50 PM
SINGAPORE - In Greek mythology, sirens were beautiful maidens (creatures) on a rocky island who seduced sailors with their enchanting music and voices, only for the unsuspecting seafarers to shipwreck on the coast and die at the hands of these seductresses.
Fast forward to the 21st century and we can see this being played out in real-life with the baits and unwitting players, save for the gory ending.
Savvy businesses around the island are trying to cash in on the latest gaming craze to hit Singapore, Pokemon Go, by unleashing "lures" to attract players and increase foot traffic to their shops.
The "lure module" feature attracts virtual monsters to a particular location for 30 minutes, which in turn draws Pokemon trainers to congregate at the site to capture them.
Even before the craze hit our shores, three companies, local book retailer Times Publishing, and fibre broadband service providers ViewQwest and MyRepublic, told The Straits Times on Aug 3 that they were going to pull out all the stops to lure Pokemon Go fans to their businesses.
AsiaOne has compiled a list of companies that have released these "lure modules". Bookmark this page as we narrow down these "lure modules" to aid in your quest to be a bona fide Pokemon Go master.
ION Orchard
When: Aug 6 to Aug 21
What: Shopping mall ION Orchard was one of the pioneers to cash in on the game, releasing "lures" almost immediately when Pokemon was released in Singapore on Saturday (Aug 6).
However, it was more bane than boon as some businesses discovered that the Pokemon Go players were there mainly to play and not to shop.
Read also: Top 5 excuses employees can give to play Pokemon Go at work
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)
When: Aug 9 to Aug 14
What: The "lures" will be released at various timings inside Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium, as well as outside the two attractions at popular Pokestops Festive Walk, the Lake of Dreams and Forum at Basement 1.
Those who can present screenshots of five Pokemon found anywhere on RWS within an hour can receive a 10 per cent discount off admission ticket prices to Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium.
Singtel shops
When: Aug 11 to 14
What: Thousands of "lures" will be released at PokeStops near 10 Singtel shops.
Singtel promoters will also be handing out survival kits comprising a disposable poncho, water bottle and a snack to its mobile customers from 11am to 7pm during the duration of the campaign, on a first-come-first-served basis every hour.
Pokemon Go Trainers who post a photo of their Pokemon Go experience on their personal Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page with the hashtags #Singtel and #PokemonGoSG also stand to win a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handset each day.
When: Aug 6 to Aug 10
What: Developer CapitaLand announced on Aug 6 that members of its rewards programme can earn points and redeem vouchers by posting screenshots of Pokemons in any of its 16 shopping malls on Instagram.
Members have to hashtag #PokemonSTAR in the photo caption, location-tag the CapitaLand property, and follow the CapitaLand Instagram account to qualify.
Participating malls include Bugis Junction, Clarke Quay, Plaza Singapura and Raffles City.
Read also: Pokemon Go guide: Top destinations to catch 'em all!
grongloh@sph.com.sg