Local First Arizona made it easier for Pokémon Go players across Arizona to “catch ‘em all,” by updating its online local business directory to allow users to search the directory to find which local businesses serve as or are located near PokeStops and Gyms in the game.

Pokémon Go, a mobile phone game that has taken the world by storm and is surpassing many established social media platforms in terms of engagement and usage, encourages people to explore areas around them to find and collect Pokémon.

Users can visit PokéStops, which are real-world locations that house items in the game like PokéBalls used to capture Pokémon or eggs that may hatch into Pokémon. There are also Gyms where users can visit to battle with other Pokémon.

“We noticed many of our local business coalition members creating promotions and events around Pokémon Go, but there was no comprehensive list of local businesses that are interacting with the game,” said Kimber Lanning, founder and director of Local First Arizona. “By modifying our online directory of nearly 3,000 local businesses, we have made it easy for users of the game to identify PokeStops inside and nearby local businesses.”

According to multiple studies, up to four times more money stays and circulates in the local economy compared to the same amount of money spent at a national chain store.

“Users can help Arizona’s economy ‘to be the very best’ by spending their dollars locally while hunting for Pokémon and refueling between Pokémon battles,” said Lanning. “By spending money with local businesses, Pokémon Go users can help support local jobs and services and keep their communities unique and vibrant.”

Lanning also asks users to be considerate when hunting Pokémon in the game.

“Pokémon Go users should also remember to be courteous at the local businesses they visit. If you’re going to be spending time at a local business and using their wifi and facilities, you should plan to at least spend a few dollars at that business,” Lanning added

Users can visit https://localfirstaz.com/pokestops/ to find which local businesses are participating in the game and offering special promotions. Users can also visit https://localfirstaz.com/directory and search the Local First Arizona business directory, where directory profiles will indicate if a business is close to a PokéStop.