7-Eleven Philippines teams up with Pokémon for merch and in-store experience

Pokémon – established in Japan in 1997 – is known worldwide for its video games, animated series, films, trading cards, and mobile game Pokémon Go, developed in collaboration with Niantic.

As part of the partnership, the convenience chain has transformed its Eton Centris 1 branch in Quezon City into a Pokémon Go “PokeStop” where players can gather essential in-game items such as Poké Balls, potions, and eggs to enhance their gaming experience. The store serves as a “resting place” for Pokémon trainers on their adventures.

In addition to the PokeStop, 7-Eleven is introducing Pokémon-themed food packaging across various products. Popular Pokémon characters like Pikachu, Charmander, and Bulbasaur will appear on Crunch Time fried chicken and nuggets packaging, while Pikachu and Snorlax will be featured on Siopao (pork buns).

Other characters, such as Meowth for Big Bite hotdogs, Jigglypuff for Fundae ice cream, and Gyarados for Gulp beverages, will also make an appearance. Fans can also spot Eevee, Flareon, and Jolteon on City Cafe packaging and Umbreon on Prima beverages.

Beyond the themed packaging, 7-Eleven will release special Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Packs. With each purchase of a Booster Pack of US$4.61, customers will receive a limited-edition 7-Eleven Pokémon card.

Susumu Fukunaga, Business Development Corporate Officer for The Pokémon Company, said that while the Philippines is the first market to feature this collaboration, the partnership between Pokémon and 7-Eleven will soon expand to other Southeast Asian countries.

“In the past, our initiatives were primarily in Japan, but now we have this 7-Eleven partnership in the Philippines,” said Fukunaga. “This is just the first of many.”

The partnership is expected to roll out Pokémon-themed merchandise and experiences across 7-Eleven stores throughout the Philippines.

Inside Retail Asia