 Channel Orange was sold exclusively through iTunes until July 17 , when it was released to other digital retailers . Although its wide physical release was scheduled for July 17 , Universal encouraged physical retailers to start selling it immediately after they receive shipments of the album . Retail company Target did not approve of its early release to iTunes and chose not to stock the album . Ocean 's manager Christian Clancy responded in a message on Twitter that he found it " interesting " that Target " also donates to non @-@ equal rights organizations " , suggesting their decision was influenced by Ocean 's coming out . Target representatives dismissed Clancy 's claims as " absolutely false " in a subsequent statement to MTV News , saying that the company " supports inclusivity and diversity in every aspect of our business . Our assortment decisions are based on a number of factors , including guest demand . " 
