Retail chain Target has addressed recent reports suggesting that it will discontinue the sale of physical media, stating that while it will scale back its offerings, it will still carry select DVDs in its stores. The decision will primarily impact movies and TV shows, while games will remain unaffected.

According to a spokesperson from Target, the company will be transitioning its limited assortment of DVDs to its online platform, Target.com. The website will continue to provide customers with access to thousands of titles for purchase. In stores, the retail chain will adopt a more selective approach, offering newly released DVDs and popular titles during key shopping periods such as Black Friday or holiday sales.

The spokesperson emphasized that the decision to limit physical media availability in stores is based on customer shopping patterns and broader industry trends. Despite this shift, Target remains committed to catering to the demand for physical media, particularly during peak seasons when DVDs are popular choices for gift-giving.

It is worth noting that the recent announcement only affects the sale of movies and TV shows in physical format. Physical games will continue to be available at Target's retail stores as before, providing gamers with a wide selection of options.

This confirmation comes in response to a tweet from The President of Physical Media, which had alleged that Target would completely cease selling physical media both in-store and online by 2025. Target's clarification ensures that while they are reducing their physical media selection, shoppers will still have access to a curated range of DVDs in their stores.

This move by Target reflects an ongoing trend within the industry, where the prominence of streaming services and digital entertainment devices has led to a decline in the demand for physical media. However, physical media continues to demonstrate its importance to consumers by offering full ownership and control over the media they purchase. Instances where movies and TV shows are removed from streaming platforms, and frustrations arising from app mergers, highlight the need for physical media as a reliable source of entertainment.

While the future of physical media may be uncertain, Target's commitment to providing a select range of DVDs in-store reaffirms the continued demand for this tangible format. As consumer preferences evolve, it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to meet the changing landscape of entertainment consumption.