- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
This article first appeared on Billboard.com.
Beyonce’s new self-titled release may not have received a warm welcome of any kind in Target stores, but Walmart is completely onboard — and last night, the R&B star spread holiday goodwill at one of its stores.
The singer visited a Walmart in Tewksbury, Mass., outside of Boston, Friday night (Dec. 20) to purchase a copy of “Beyonce,” which is now in stores in its physical release after a week as a digital-only item.
But that’s not all she was there for. In addition to buying her own album, Beyonce and her camp handed out 750 Walmart gift cards, each at $50 a clip. In total, the singer dispensed $37,500 worth of gift cards, a Walmart spokesperson confirmed.
STORY: How Beyonce’s ‘Beyonce’ Stayed Secret Until the Day of Release
Pictures of the visit are available on the singer’s Facebook page.
The act of good cheer just might have helped drive more sales of her new album at the store. After selling 617,000 copies in its first few days on sale to top the Billboard 200, the album is currently projected to sell 260,000 — or more — in its second week to retain the No. 1 spot.
That’s without support of Target, which announced it will not sell the album. Amazon has joined Target in not selling the record; Beyonce is currently available on the etailer in an MP3 format, but not via CD.
Her surprise appearance at the store is the latest in a long line of unexpected Beyonce sightings. After her show in Brooklyn Thursday night (Dec. 19), the singer hosted a special party at Manhattan’s Dave & Buster’s location, handing out party favors and toasting to the success of the new album.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day