Circle K to bring 9,000 stores to life with global Pokémon GO partnership

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -  Circle K is embarking on a global partnership with Niantic, Inc. which will bring more than 9,000 Circle K stores to life in the augmented reality mobile game Pokémon GO.

The Pokémon GO partnership connects players and Circle K customers alike to in-store experiences and special in-game rewards and offers. In addition to transforming Circle K locations worldwide into PokéStops and Gyms, the experience and offers will be available at Couche-Tard branded stores in Quebec.

"As a loyal Pokémon GO player for many years, I am personally thrilled with this new global partnership," Kevin Lewis, chief marketing officer at Alimentation Couche-Tard/Circle K, said in a release. "I am equally thrilled to bring Pokémon GO to life with millions of our customers across our more than 9,000 stores worldwide."

Early in 2022, Circle K will hosting the first of four Legendary Raid events at participating locations, which is expected to drive in-store traffic by engaging Pokémon GO Trainers, Circle K customers and mobile game enthusiasts.

Pokémon GO has been downloaded more than one billion times and is enjoyed by players in 150 countries and territories. Circle K operates 14,200 stores in 26 countries and territories.