Beyoncé’s self-titled album took the music world by surprise last weekend, appearing on Apple’s iTunes store without any pre-release hype at midnight Friday. Also taken by surprise: retailer Target, which has since said it won’t carry the CD when it becomes available.
Target spokesperson Erica Julkowski told Billboard that “when a new album is available digitally before it is available physically, it impacts demand and sales projections.” iTunes is the exclusive seller of the album until at least Dec. 18, and most retail outlets won’t receive physical copies until Friday, Dec. 20. Target doesn’t seem happy to be put in that position, but some are suggesting that racism is at play, and possibly sexism as well.
Yo fuck @Target for not selling the new Beyonce album. So glad I don't work for those racist, backwards assholes anymore.
— kevin (@kevfbrown) December 17, 2013
target ole racist ass said they refuse to sell beyonce
— Deejack29 (@deejack27) December 17, 2013
https://twitter.com/OliviaPopeJr/status/412819478615830528
@Target is racist. First Frank Ocean & now Beyonce. I see a pattern here. #BoycottTarget
— Here4KingBey (@here4kingbey) December 16, 2013
https://twitter.com/baddiesir/status/412711289262075904
To others, it’s just business.
Target isn't racist or hating on Beyonce …they have limited space & an album that doesn't have normal first week sales = not on the shelf
— No Relation, Esq. (@TheCosby) December 17, 2013
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@TheCosby I'm not sure I get the business logic. Offset potential negative impact of digital sales against order amount and still make $?
— Jane Esq. (@JaneTheDragon) December 17, 2013
@TheCosby I don't understand why Target wouldn't want to make ANY money off the album?
— Jane Esq. (@JaneTheDragon) December 17, 2013
@JaneTheDragon it's part posturing to stave off the influx of this sort of business practice & within their right
— No Relation, Esq. (@TheCosby) December 17, 2013
@JaneTheDragon they don't make much money off albums unless they sell a ridiculous amount…they make more on toilet paper and linens
— No Relation, Esq. (@TheCosby) December 17, 2013
@TheCosby I hadn't considered the future practices aspect, that's a good point.
— Jane Esq. (@JaneTheDragon) December 17, 2013
Related:
Welp, Amanda Marcotte has a message for white people griping about Beyoncé
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