Come Play Pokemon Go in Our Stores, GameStop Says

The summer months are traditionally slower in terms of sales for video game retailer GameStop. So the company was no doubt happy when sales at its stores designated as PokeStops and Gyms for Pokemon Go surged by more than 100 percent recently. Now, the retailer has issued a formal invitation for Pokemon Go players to come to its stores in search of new creatures.

Almost 200 GameStop stores in the US are PokeStops while more than 30 are Gyms, the retailer said in a news release. You can visit GameStop's website to find a store near you that doubles as either of these. Additionally, this page lets you know the locations of the 50 stores that will use Pokemon Go "lure" items to attract Pokemon this coming Saturday and Sunday. Every two hours on those days, GameStop will release Lures to attract Pokemon at participating stores.

GameStop has no way of profiting directly from Pokemon Go, as it's a free-to-play game, but the company is now a mobile phone retailer. Additionally, this promotion may lead to more foot traffic and in turn greater sales.

The retailer added that it will host a Pokemon-themed event at its stores on August 1 to "delight our customers." However, no further details about this were divulged.

The retailer also announced a limited-time promotion themed around Pokemon. Now until July 24, shoppers can trade in select games towards the purchase of Pokemon products, as well as iTunes and Google Play gift cards, and receive $25 in store credit towards a purchase. Eligible games include Bayonetta 2, Forza 6, Pokemon X/Y, and NBA Live 16, among many others. You can see the full list of eligible titles here.

"We're very happy to see all this excitement around Pokemon in what is traditionally a slower time of the year for video games," GameStop CEO Paul Raines said earlier this week. "It's really great to see Pokemon and Nintendo re-investing in that IP. It's great to see [the Pokemon franchise] transitioning over into the mobile space."

Pokemon Go remains at the top of the charts on iTunes in the free and top-grossing categories, a position it's held since release earlier this month.

For more on Pokemon Go, check out GameSpot's review.