Who decides what big box sells? Our GAME got us answers
Summary
Planet Money hosts Erica Barris and Kenny Malone partner with Exploding Kittens to pitch their board game, Sell Me a Sasquatch, to major retailers. The episode details the high-stakes pitch meeting, the manufacturing rush before Chinese New Year, and the final product's launch in stores like Target and Walmart. Listeners contributed creature ideas, which appear in the final game, marking a successful journey from prototype to retail shelves.
Topics discussed
Intro: Erica's nervous pitch to big box retailers
The importance of big box retail and the game's origin
Prep for the pitch: Line reviews and buyer psychology
The pitch meeting: Buyer concerns on price and audience
Inside the buyer's mind: Planograms and shelf space
Success: Two major retailers accept the game
Ads and NPR promotions
Finalizing the game: The Chinese New Year deadline
Business details: Royalties, pricing, and production costs
Design tweaks: Pantone purple, box finish, and shelf tests
Manufacturing in China and seeing the game on shelves
Listener contributions and where to buy the game
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