Circle K locations to become ‘Pokestops’ and ‘Gyms’ in-game

Circle K is partnering with gaming company Niantic to bring Circle K convenience stores to life in the augmented reality mobile game Pokemon Go and to see more than 9,000 of its locations worldwide transform into PokeStops and Gyms.

The Pokemon Go partnership connects players and Circle K customers alike to exclusive in-store experiences and special in-game rewards and offers. The experience and offers will also be available at the retailer's Couche-Tard branded c-stores in Quebec.

Early in 2022, Circle K aims to delight Trainers across the globe by hosting the first of four Legendary Raid events at participating locations in-game to engage Pokemon Go Trainers, Circle K customers and mobile game enthusiasts.

“As a loyal Pokemon Go player for many years, I am personally thrilled with this new global partnership,” said Kevin Lewis, chief marketing officer for Alimentation Couche-Tard and Circle K. “I am equally thrilled to bring Pokemon Go to life with millions of our customers across our more than 9,000 stores worldwide.”

Pokemon Go, made by San Francisco-based Niantic, has been downloaded more than one billion times and is enjoyed by players in 150 countries and territories.

Circle K Stores is a wholly owned subsidiary of Laval, Quebec-based Couche-Tard, which operates in 26 countries and territories, with more than 14,200 stores, of which approximately 10,800 offer road transportation fuel.

With its Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States.