During the promotional campaign for the Detective Pikachu movie in 2019, several major U.S. retailers and brands offered limited-time freebies and in-store events. These offers ranged from physical merchandise such as posters and trading cards to digital rewards accessed via mobile applications. The promotional activities were concentrated around specific dates in May 2019 and required physical presence at participating locations. Additionally, 7-Eleven integrated the movie theme into its food menu and loyalty program, offering app-based games and discounted beverages.
Retailer-Specific In-Store Events
Various retailers hosted specific events to distribute Detective Pikachu themed items. These events were time-sensitive and often included interactive elements or digital rewards.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop hosted a scavenger hunt-style event to distribute a specific freebie.
- Offer: A free Detective Pikachu poster.
- Dates: The event took place on May 10–12 and May 17–19.
- Eligibility/Process: Participants were required to identify clues and find hidden tokens throughout the Workshop. Finding all clues qualified the participant to receive the poster.
Walmart
Walmart held a movie event focused on trading cards and posters.
- Offer: A free Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game) promo card and a Pokémon Detective Pikachu movie poster.
- Dates: May 18, specifically from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or while supplies lasted.
- Details: The promo card featured the movie version of Bulbasaur. The offer was valid at participating Walmart stores while supplies lasted.
Target
Target hosted an event that utilized a mobile application to distribute rewards.
- Offer: A promo card, a poster, and digital rewards.
- Dates: May 11, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Eligibility/Process: Participants were required to download the "Pokémon Pass" app. They then needed to visit the electronics, toys, and trading cards sections of the store to scan signage and unlock digital rewards. Additionally, participants could receive a "Shiny" Pikachu or Eevee for the Pokémon: Let’s Go! games.
7-Eleven Promotions and App Integration
7-Eleven offered a combination of food and beverage items, merchandise, and digital engagement through its mobile app.
Food and Beverage Offerings
7-Eleven introduced a limited-time drink inspired by the movie setting, the Hi-Hat Cafe.
- Product: The "Hi-Hat Mocha," featuring chocolate and coffee flavors mixed with steamed milk, topped with milky foam. Select locations allowed the addition of chocolate sauce or yellow and white sprinkles.
- Pricing: A small coffee (including the Hi-Hat Mocha) or medium cold brew was offered for $1 each.
- Dates: This deal was available through May 21, 2019.
Digital Engagement and Merchandise
7-Eleven utilized its mobile app for interactive promotions and to unlock exclusive deals.
- App Features: Users could play an AR (Augmented Reality) game to "save the Pokémon" and gain access to exclusive clips from the movie.
- Rewards: Playing the game unlocked exclusive deals and extra 7REWARDS points.
Japan-Based Pre-Order Incentives
Outside of the U.S. retail events, pre-orders for the Detective Pikachu video game at specific Japanese locations included physical bonuses.
- Location: Pokemon Center and Pokemon Store locations in Japan.
- Offer: Two freebies were included with pre-orders: a story book titled Detective Pikachu Chapter 0: Eevee’s Request and a bookmark.
Educational and Creative Materials
While not direct manufacturer freebies, educational resources related to the Detective Pikachu theme were available through third-party platforms.
- Teachers Pay Teachers: This platform hosted various Pokémon-themed educational materials. Examples included:
- ESL Activities: Worksheets designed for English Foreign Students in grades 7–12, featuring Pokémon clipart (including normal and superhero Pikachus).
- Mystery Pictures: Worksheets where students identify Pokémon pictures (such as Poké Ball, Pikachu, Squirtle) using sight words.
- Clipart Sets: Collections of Pikachu illustrations (normal, superhero, black and white) for educational use.
Conclusion
The Detective Pikachu promotional campaign involved a coordinated effort across multiple sectors, including retail (Walmart, Target, Build-A-Bear) and convenience (7-Eleven). Offers were strictly limited by time—most concentrated in mid-May 2019—and supply. Participation generally required physical attendance at stores, with some offers necessitating the use of a specific mobile application (Pokémon Pass, 7-Eleven app). Consumers seeking similar future offers should monitor retailer announcements for specific dates and download relevant apps in advance of movie releases.