NEW YORK (AP) — In a remarkable turn of events, one retail chain emerged as the sole source for Taylor Swift's highly anticipated "Eras Tour Book" last week, catapulting it to the top of the bestseller list and marking the biggest publishing launch of 2024. According to Circana, this book sold an astonishing 814,000 copies during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Circana monitors approximately 85% of the print market, yet the "Eras" figures stand out with precision as Swift chose to exclusively sell the book through Target, which launched the "Eras" tie-in on Black Friday.

Taylor Swift's Publishing Phenomenon Takes Center Stage

Exclusive Releases by Taylor Swift

Swift has a history of arranging exclusive and non-traditional releases. For instance, with her "Eras" concert film that came out in 2023, she bypassed Hollywood studios and collaborated directly with AMC Theatres and Cinemark Theatres. This approach led to "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" making over $200 million at the box office and becoming the highest grossing concert movie in history. Such strategic decisions have set her apart in the entertainment and publishing industries.

Even before the "Eras" book, Swift had already become a mini-genre in the publishing world. Her influence inspired biographies, romance fiction, fashion, coloring books, and even a cocktail recipe collection called "Shake It Up." This shows the far-reaching impact she has on various creative fields.

Comparison with Obama's Memoir

The sales of Swift's "Eras Tour Book" put her in rare company. The only nonfiction launch that came close was the first volume of Barack Obama's presidential memoirs, "A Promised Land," which sold 816,000 copies in its first week on shelves in 2020 according to Circana. However, it's important to note that Obama's memoir was available through all major outlets, while Circana's tracking for the "Eras Tour Book" only accounts for its first weekend sales. This highlights the unique success of Swift's exclusive release strategy.

Despite some fans expressing disappointment online about minor issues like typos and errors in the $39.99 book, its sales figures speak volumes about Swift's popularity and the demand for her content. Representatives for Target and Swift have not yet responded to requests for comment as of Wednesday.

Other Top Sellers in 2024

According to Circana, another top seller of 2024 is Wendy Loggia's "Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography." This book is designed in the tradition of beloved Little Golden books like "The Three Bears" and "The Whispering Rabbit," further demonstrating Swift's widespread influence and cultural significance.

Swift's ability to drive such significant sales and create a buzz around her projects is a testament to her star power and the dedicated fan base she has amassed. Her impact extends far beyond the music realm and continues to shape various aspects of popular culture.