Target Refuses to Sell Beyoncé's New Album (Gasp!)

Retailer spokesperson explains that since the singer released her album exclusively online first, it will "impact demand and sales projections"

By Bruna Nessif Dec 17, 2013 4:48 AMTags
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Apparently, not everyone is a fan of Beyoncé's latest masterpiece.

Target has released a statement revealing that they will not be carrying Bey's new self-titled album on their shelves. Why would they do such a thing?! Well, because she opted to release her mega-hit album exclusively online first.

"At Target we focus on offering our guests a wide assortment of physical CDs, and when a new album is available digitally before it is available physically, it impacts demand and sales projections," Target spokesperson Erica Julkowski said in a statement to E! News.

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She continued, "While there are many aspects that contribute to our approach and we have appreciated partnering with Beyonce in the past, we are primarily focused on offering CDs that will be available in a physical format at the same time as all other formats. At this time, Target will not be carrying Beyonce's new self-titled album 'Beyonce.'"

Queen B proved just how much star power she had by secretly releasing the 14-track and 17-video visual album exclusively on iTunes at approximately midnight on Friday, and completely went against the way music is usually released. Jay Z's wife squashed traditional new music procedures, going without any hype, social media presence or promotions for the new body of work entirely.

Regardless, her latest creation is a huge success. B sold an astounding 80,000 copies in the first three hours alone and has already reached the 500,000 mark.

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As to why she opted to go a different route, Beyoncé explained that she wanted to change the way music is received. In a clip on her Facebook page, released after the album dropped, she told fans, "I didn't want to release my music the way I've done it."

"I am bored with that. I feel like I'm able to speak directly to my fans. There's so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn't want anybody to give that message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it's ready from me to my fans."

She added, "I wanted everyone to see the whole picture and see how personal everything is for me. I would make my best art and just put it out."