Kendall’s ace Hardware, St. Paul, Mn., has been enjoying a boost in visitors, thanks to Pokémon Go—despite initially having zero awareness of the augmented reality game that is sweeping the country.
Unbeknownst to owner Kendall Crosby, the iconic giant metal bolt on the side of his store had become one of the game’s “PokéStops.” All day long, pedestrians mill about the galvanized metal prop, smartphones in hand. But they’re not taking pictures. PokéStops, such as Kendall’s bolt, are where they can replenish their supply of digital Poké Balls, which they use to capture imaginary creatures via their phones.