PODCAST · business
PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future
by PlayAbly
The PlayAbly Podcast Where Ecommerce Meets Entertainment—and Retention Gets Real. Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast—your go-to audio destination for bold ideas at the intersection of ecommerce, psychology, and performance marketing. If you're a DTC founder, retention marketer, or CRM strategist looking to boost LTV, loyalty, and customer engagement, you're in the right place. Each episode breaks down the latest trends in retail gamification, interactive promotions, and gamified Shopify experiences. From real-world case studies to cutting-edge strategies, we uncover how top brands are transforming everything from overstock liquidation to seasonal campaigns into powerful engagement engines. Discover how to: 🎯 Drive conversions with <a href="https://playably.ai/blogs/about-gamification/how-gamification-boosts-c
Episodes
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 52: 3.2x Conversion in Cannabis: What a Gamified Rebate Actually Did for Subscriptions
A few weeks ago, we launched a live Gamified Rebate campaign with Soul around the Super Bowl — designed specifically to survive the strict realities of cannabis marketing. Now the campaign is over, the data is in, and the results are clear: this wasn’t just a fun experiment, it was a...
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PlayAbly Podcast: Episode 51: How Soul Is Winning the Cannabis Marketing Game Without Paid Ads
In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into how cannabis brand Soul is using Gamified Rebates to sidestep ad restrictions and turn the Super Bowl into their most powerful sales event of the year. With paid ads off the table, cannabis marketers are forced to get creative — and this...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 50: 5X From the Dead List: How Jones New York Revived Inactive Subscribers with PlayAbly
What if your coldest email list could become your most profitable send? On this case study episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into how Jones New York broke all the traditional rules of CRM marketing and turned their “dead” email list into a 5X revenue-per-send win — without bigger discounts...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 49: The Discount Trap
Discounts might drive short-term sales, but they’re quietly killing your margins and eroding your brand’s value. In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we unpack why discounting has become a business model (not a strategy), how it's creating promo-addicted customers, and what smarter brands are...
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PlayAbly Podcast 48: How Buckle Me Baby Coats Drove 40% Higher AOV with no Discounts in December
In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we break down one of the most memorable holiday campaigns we've ever run — the White Christmas Gamified Rebate for Buckle Me Baby Coats. This wasn't your average discount offer. Instead of slashing prices, the brand invited customers to root for snow on...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 47: Why Your Spinner and Loyalty Program Failed And What’s Working for Gamification Now
Gamification was supposed to revolutionize digital engagement — so why did so many early tactics fall flat (or even backfire)? In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we unpack why points, badges, and spin-to-win popups didn’t live up to the hype — and how modern ecommerce gamification is…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 46: Why Emotional Connection Beats Customer Satisfaction (By 52%) and How to Take Advantage of That
What if we told you that emotionally connected customers are 52% more valuable than merely satisfied ones? In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we uncover the surprising data behind why traditional retention tactics are falling short — and what brands need to do instead. Drawing on insights...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 45: Why Most Ecommerce Website Redesigns Fail (and What Actually Grabs Customer Attention)
Ecommerce brands are spending tens of thousands on website redesigns—but are these sleek makeovers really worth it? In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into the science of attention and memory, and why beautiful websites without meaningful interaction are practically invisible to…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 44: The Second Purchase Problem: Why Acquisition Is Easy Compared to Retention
You did it — Q4 crushed, customers acquired. But now what? In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we explore the hidden goldmine in your ecommerce business: the second purchase. While most brands obsess over acquisition, the real profits are hiding in repeat purchases. Boosting retention by…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 43: How to Turn Cultural Moments into Viral, High-Converting Marketing Campaigns
Most marketing campaigns fall flat. But what if your next promo could ride the wave of pop culture—without spending a dime on influencers or ads? In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into the booming trend of "cultural moment campaigns"—where brands bet on real-world events like the...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 42: Beyond the Cart: What Black Friday 2025 Really Tells Us About Shoppers, Sales & What Comes Next
Black Friday 2025 broke records—but what’s really behind the $44.2 billion Cyber Week surge? In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we cut through the headlines to unpack what actually drove this year’s growth. Was it real demand… or just higher prices? Which brands won (and why), who quietly...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 41: The Tariff Tidal Wave: Updates on E-Commerce's New Reality
The de minimis loophole is dead — and with it, an entire era of ultra-cheap international ecommerce. On this episode of The PlayAbly Podcast, we break down how the U.S. shutdown of duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong is triggering a seismic shift in DTC pricing, fulfillment, and strategy....
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 40: How $0 Discounts Drove 101 Sales in 7 Days Ahead of Black Friday
What happens when you bet your customers on the weather — and still come out on top? In this episode, we unpack one of the boldest WinBack campaigns we've ever run. Discover how MYPadL used PlayAbly to turn Seattle’s famously gloomy skies into a revenue-driving, customer-retaining spectacle — all...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 39: Black Friday 2025: The 72-Hour Ecomm Playbook
Black Friday 2025 is coming in hot—and this year, it's not just about who shouts the loudest, but who plans the smartest. In this episode of The PlayAbly Podcast, we break down the data-backed trends, key deadlines, and exact moves your ecommerce team needs to make in the next 72 hours to win. We...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 38: McDonald’s Monopoly : The Ultimate Lesson in Gamified Commerc
In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into one of the most iconic—and controversial—marketing campaigns of all time: McDonald’s Monopoly. From its debut in 1987 to its massive fraud scandal in the early 2000s and eventual comeback, McDonald’s Monopoly is a masterclass in gamified...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 37: Booths, Badges & Busts: Which Conferences Are Actually Worth It for Your Brand?
Welcome back to the PlayAbly podcast! In this episode, John and Kajal ask a question every ecommerce founder, brand marketer, and growth lead has faced: Are conferences really worth the cost—or are they just expensive hype? From mega-events like Shoptalk, INBOUND, and NRF to tightly curated niche...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 36: When AI Shops for You- the Walmart and OpenAI Partnership Explained
Welcome back to the PlayAbly podcast. Shopping as we know it is about to radically change. Walmart—yes, that Walmart—just announced a major partnership with OpenAI to let customers shop directly through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout. That means product recommendations, price comparisons, and…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 35: Turn Dead Inventory Into Brand Gold: Smart Ways to Liquidate Overstock Without Killing Your Margins
If you’ve got shelves stacked with slow-moving SKUs, this episode is for you. On this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into creative, high-ROI strategies for liquidating excess inventory without slashing prices or damaging your brand. From strategic bundling and loyalty point hacks to…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 34: Coupons to Connections: Gamified Promotions as the Future of Retail
Traditional discount codes are fading into the background—and customers are craving something more engaging. In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we explore why static promos like “20% off” no longer cut it, and how brands are shifting toward experiences that are interactive, memorable, and...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 33: The $300K Mistake: How to Run Legal Ecommerce Promotions This Black Friday
This episode of the PlayAbly Podcast is your wake-up call before Black Friday. With consumer budgets tightening and competition rising, discounting isn’t your only option — and it might be your worst one. We're diving deep into why nearly 70% of ecommerce promotions could be illegal, what the...
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PlayAbly Podcast: Episode 32: No More Discounts- How Discounts Destroy Your Margin and What to Do Instead
Retailers are stuck in a discount addiction that’s killing margins—and consumers are playing right along. In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into the psychology behind discounting, why it’s no longer sustainable, and how shoppers have been trained to expect coupon codes at checkout....
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The PlayAbly Podcast: Episode 31: The $10 Million Refund That Made $73 Million: How Risk-Based Promos Are Rewriting Retail
What if the biggest “loss” in your business history was actually your most profitable win? In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we unpack how brands like Mattress Mack’s Gallery Furniture used psychological triggers, sports fandom, and clever hedging to turn a $10M refund into $73M in sales....
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PlayAbly Podcast: Episode 30: Taylor Swift and Mamdami - Sparkle Codes & Civic Quests
In this episode, we connect two unlikely worlds: Taylor Swift’s glitter-bomb Easter eggs for The Life of a Showgirl and Zohran Mamdani’s New York City scavenger hunt. Both show how playful participation is reshaping engagement in 2025. From Taylor’s perfectly timed 12:12 album reveal, her...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 29: Press Play on Engagement: Gamification, AI, and the Future of Ecommerce Growth
Hey everyone! Welcome back to The PlayAbly Podcast, the show where ecommerce growth meets game design. Today, our host Kajal is joined by PlayAbly’s CEO and Founder, John, for a deep dive into the future of brand engagement — and why now is the time to press play. In this episode, we explore the...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 28: Gamify the Aisle: In-Store Retail Gamification That Works
After a brief hiatus, the PlayAbly Podcast is back — and Angelo’s hitting the road. From LA to New York, he’s meeting with brands IRL to show how retail gamification isn't just for your Shopify store — it works just as powerfully in-store. We dive into PlayAbly's latest interactive retail...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 27: How Gamification Boosts Conversions: Behind the Psychology
Is your ecommerce store blending into the Shopify sea of sameness? In this episode of The PlayAbly Podcast, we’re joined by PlayAbly CEO and founder John Cheng to uncover the science, psychology, and serious ROI behind ecommerce gamification. From his early days at Unity to the founding of…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 26: Why Brand Ads Flop in Games—and What Actually Works
DOWNLOAD THE PLAYABLY SHOPIFY APP Brand ads in games? They’ve been called the Holy Grail of digital marketing… and yet, most have failed spectacularly. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, our host Kajal Ford sits down with Playably CEO and founder John Chang to unpack why traditional in-game...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 25: From App Stores to Shopify: What DTC Brands Can Learn from the Mobile Gaming Boom
In this episode of the Playably Podcast, co-founder Angelo joins to break down a major parallel between two digital revolutions: the mobile gaming explosion of the 2010s and today’s Shopify store boom. What does Flappy Bird have in common with high-fiber candy brands? More than you think. We...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 24: Revolutionizing Rainy Days: How Brella Shoppe is Disrupting the Umbrella Market
Turning Rainy Days into Runway Moments: How Brella Shoppe is Redefining an Untapped Market with Shauna Cowit In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with Shauna Cowit, founder of Brella Shoppe, to explore how she’s transforming umbrellas from boring afterthoughts into must-have…
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PlayAbly Episode 23: Better Customer Journeys and Better SEO with Easy On-site Engagement
Gamification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the future of e-commerce engagement and SEO strategy. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we explore how incorporating interactive experiences can transform your online store into a high-performing powerhouse. Our Account Director, Gabi, joins us to...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 22: How Tariffs Are Reshaping E-Commerce: Strategies for Staying Competitive
Tariffs are back in the spotlight, and e-commerce brands are feeling the impact. In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we break down what tariffs really mean, who pays the price, and how they’re shaking up global trade. Join our host and PlayAbly CEO, John, as we explore how brands can…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 21: Gamifying Growth – How Playfield Created a Viral DTC Brand with Engagement & Community
In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with Ivana, founder of Playfield, the pet accessories brand behind the viral Bailey Kit. We dive into her journey from Google to launching a DTC brand, the challenges of bootstrapping, and how she’s building a community-driven brand with…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 20: Designing Play: Why Every Brand Needs a Game Designer (and What Makes a Game Great!)
What does a game designer really do, and why does it matter for your brand? In this episode, we sit down with Seema, our Head of UX and Game Design, to uncover the psychology behind great game design and its impact on customer engagement. From building shoppable games that drive conversions to...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 19: NRF 2025 Recap: How Playably Stood Out and What’s Next for Retail
In this episode, we dive into the excitement of the NRF conference, where over 6,200 global brands gathered in New York City to explore the future of retail. Join us as the Playably team reflects on their experience, including: Insights from showcasing shoppable games and engaging with industry...
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PlayAbly Podcast 18: Breaking the Bounce- More Sales Through Engagement
Bounce rates have been a persistent pain point for websites, but why do so many visitors leave before engaging? In this episode of the Playably Podcast, our CEO John Cheng dives deep into the psychology behind bounce rates and what makes websites "sticky." We explore: 🎯 Why bounce rates remain...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 17: From Monopoly to McDonald’s: What Board Games Teach Us About Customer Engagement
What do Monopoly, UNO, and McDonald's Monopoly all have in common? They’ve mastered the art of engagement by tapping into human behavior, nostalgia, and fun. In this episode, we’re joined by Seema, PlayAbly’s Head of UX and Design, to explore the timeless principles behind the games we grew up...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 16: Stop Putting Spinners on Your Website
Ever felt personally victimized by a discount spinner? You know, those flashy wheels of disappointment promising 50% off but always landing on a measly 10%? Seema, our UX and game design guru, is here to spill the tea on why spinners are the awkward middle child of eCommerce gimmicks. In this...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 15: Gamification, Taylor Swift, and the Eras of E-Commerce: How to Build a Brand Fans Love
What do Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and ecommerce gamification have in common? Turns out, everything. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we dive into how Taylor Swift has mastered gamification to build unmatched fan loyalty, from surprise songs to Easter eggs and fan-driven experiences. We...
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PlayAbly Podcast 14 - Gamification Everywhere: Lessons from Temu and Beyond
In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with CEO and founder John Cheng to deconstruct how gamification has become a cornerstone for global success stories like Temu. From interactive spinners and loyalty programs to personalized engagement strategies, we explore how brands are using...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 13: Crafting the Perfect Interactive Experience with PlayAbly’s Head of UX
In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we’re joined by Seema, PlayAbly’s Head of UX and Game Design. Seema works directly with customers to help them shape the games and interactive experiences that boost engagement. Today, she shares insights into balancing client ideas with best UX practices,...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 12: How AI and Personalization are Transforming E-commerce: Insights from Playably CEO John Cheng
In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, I’m joined by Playably CEO and founder John Chaeg to dive into the transformative power of AI and personalization in the e-commerce industry. John shares insights from his extensive experience building companies focused on personalization, discusses how AI...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 11: Black Friday Strategy Part 3
In the latest episode of the Playably Podcast, Kajal and Gabi dive into a key Black Friday Cyber Monday strategy: maximizing engagement with playable ads. With BFCM season fast approaching, brands are vying for shoppers’ attention in a shorter-than-usual holiday window. Gabi explains why…
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 10: Black Friday Strategy Part 2
In this second episode of our Black Friday series, CEO and Founder John Cheng breaks down how advent calendars can drive customer engagement and boost holiday sales. Discover the psychology behind these calendars and why they’re an effective tool for capturing customer attention in a...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 9: Black Friday Strategy Part 1
Black Friday Episode 1 of a 3 Part Series In this episode, Angelo and Kajal dive into practical ways brands can harness gamification to boost holiday sales and engagement. From advent calendars to streaks, learn how interactive experiences and themed content keep customers returning. Discover how...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 8: Landing Pages, Turning Clicks into Conversions
In this episode, we're unlocking the secrets behind landing pages—those crucial first impressions that can make or break your conversions. We'll dive into everything from design and messaging to optimization tips, transforming your landing page into a true conversion powerhouse. For eCommerce...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 7: ShopTalk Fall Recap
In PlayAbly Podcast 7: ShopTalk Fall 2024 Recap, we chat with Seema and Angelo from PlayAbly, fresh from their ShopTalk Fall experience. They share key highlights, including engaging conversations about gamification, exciting trends, and unique insights from their meetings with top brands. Seema...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 6: Boosting Paid Media with SEO: How Strategic Blogging Can Transform Your eCommerce ROI
In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we sit down with Gabi, the main point of contact for our major accounts, to explore how aligning your blog content with paid media strategies can significantly impact your eCommerce performance. Discover why relying solely on ad spend can limit your growth...
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PlayAbly Episode 5: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Shopify Migrations: Insights from PlayAbly’s CEO
In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, CEO John Cheng joins us to dive into the complexities of website migration, particularly for ecommerce brands transitioning to Shopify. Drawing on his background from Unity and years of experience in the gaming industry, John shares insights into the most...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 4: Creating Games That Fit the Brand and Why Discount Spinners are Never the Answer
In this episode, we sit down with Seema Rao, Head of UX and Game Development at PlayAbly, to explore the art and strategy behind creating engaging games for brands. Seema, with over 20 years of experience in game development, shares her insights on why it’s essential to align games with a brand’s...
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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 3: Beating Algorithm Changes and Optimizing Paid Social Ads
In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into the ever-evolving world of digital advertising with our special guest, Ray, a seasoned ad tech expert with nearly a decade of experience at top companies like Google and TikTok. We explore the complexities of optimizing ad campaigns across...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The PlayAbly Podcast Where Ecommerce Meets Entertainment—and Retention Gets Real.
Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast—your go-to audio destination for bold ideas at the intersection of ecommerce, psychology, and performance marketing. If you're a DTC founder, retention marketer, or CRM strategist looking to boost LTV, loyalty, and customer engagement, you're in the right place.
Each episode breaks down the latest trends in retail gamification, interactive promotions, and gamified Shopify experiences. From real-world case studies to cutting-edge strategies, we uncover how top brands are transforming everything from overstock liquidation to seasonal campaigns into powerful engagement engines.
Discover how to: 🎯 Drive conversions with <a href="https://playably.ai/blogs/about-gamification/how-gamification-boosts-c
HOSTED BY
PlayAbly
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future have?
PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future about?
The PlayAbly Podcast Where Ecommerce Meets Entertainment—and Retention Gets Real. Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast—your go-to audio destination for bold ideas at the intersection of ecommerce, psychology, and performance marketing. If you're a DTC founder, retention marketer, or CRM strategist...
How often does PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future release new episodes?
PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future?
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Who hosts PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future?
PlayAbly Podcast: Gamifying E-commerce for the Future is created and hosted by PlayAbly.
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