Garth In Low-Cost Places

Garth Brooks has inked an exclusive multiyear deal with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and its affiliates to be the lone distributor of his music.

The star, who retired from performing in 2001 to spend time with his family, has agreed to sell his albums through Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and their online outlets. No further details were released.

Brooks ended his 16-year relationship with Capitol Records Nashville in June. Capitol parent EMI can still sell his remaining inventory but is not allowed to produce new copies since Brooks owns the master recordings, according to the Los Angeles Times.

As for new music, he apparently won’t be making any too soon. The singer has reportedly vowed not to tour or record until his youngest daughter graduates from high school in 2015.

The Wal-Mart deal isn’t a huge surprise since Brooks, wearing a blue employee smock, performed at the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Fayetteville, Ark., in June. At the time, he alluded to a “bigger relationship” with the company.

The agreement is reportedly the first time an artist has made an entire catalog available through just one outlet.

Brooks reportedly sells about 300,000 copies a year of his multiplatinum albums.