Pokemon Go Saves Ice Cream Shop

While some store owners have complained that Pokémon GO has hurt their business, Gary Dear, the owner of Mad Hatter's Ice Cream in Anacortes, Washington, is singing the game's praises.

For many months, Dear struggled to keep his ice cream shop open, but once Pokémon GO was launched in July, business began to dramatically improve. That's because several PokéStops, a place to stock up on Poké Balls and helpful items, are located across the street from his shop.

Now, every week, hundreds of customers drop by his shop to either fuel up before or cool down after a long day of gaming. "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expected it to end up like this," Dear told KSDK. "I've never seen anything take off like this." He joked, "The Pokey light shines down on me!"

Because of Pokémon GO, Dear believes his "sales have doubled and even tripled on some nights." With customers and profits on the rise, Deal has extended his hours and hired a few employees.

Pokémon GO -Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Pikachu, and many other Pokémon have been discovered on planet Earth! Now's your chance to discover and capture the Pokémon all around you—so get your shoes on, step outside, and explore the world. You'll join one of three teams and battle for the prestige and ownership of Gyms with your Pokémon at your side. Pokémon are out there, and you need to find them. As you walk around a neighborhood, your smartphone will vibrate when there's a Pokémon nearby. Take aim and throw a Poké Ball… You'll have to stay alert, or it might get away!