Does Planet Money’s game pass the shelf test? We go undercover to find out
Sep 3, 2026 · 9m
Summary
Planet Money hosts Kenny Malone and Wayan Wong join Exploding Kittens co-founder Alan Lee to conduct secret shelf tests for their new game, Sell Me a Sasquatch. They sneak prototypes into a big-box store to evaluate visibility, durability, and customer comprehension using the "3 feet, 3 seconds" rule. The episode reveals how retail placement and packaging design influence consumer behavior and sales success.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Sneaking into a retail store
The art and science of retail shelf testing
Executing the stealth mission with prototypes
Test 1: Visual appeal and shelf placement
Test 2: Visibility in chaotic conditions
Test 3: The 3-second rule and shopper interaction
Analyzing back-of-box clarity and confusion
Conclusion: Game release and credits
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