Who decides what big box sells? Our GAME got us answers

The *Planet Money* team successfully navigated the opaque world of big-box retail by developing and pitching their board game, "Sell Me a Sasquatch," to major national chains. By partnering with game company Exploding Kittens, the team gained access to high-stakes "line review" meetings where buyers determine which products earn shelf space. The process required balancing complex retail variables, such as establishing a $19.99 price point, selecting premium packaging materials, and managing tight manufacturing deadlines around the Chinese Lunar New Year. Unlike traditional product pitches, the team leveraged their unique media platform and audience engagement to differentiate their game in a crowded market. This effort resulted in a successful launch across major retailers, demonstrating the rigorous, data-driven, and often secretive nature of the retail supply chain and the challenges of bringing a new product to physical store shelves.