The original announcement wasn't taken all too seriously by all who read it. Did Garth Brooks' Wal-Mart exclusive box set sell upwards of 500,000 in less than one week? Wal-Mart claimed it had, though it is not reporting sales of the six-CD package to SoundScan.

Then, last week, there was a press release that claimed the box set had topped one million units. It was the fastest selling media title on the retailer's website, read the press release, and it "achieved Wal-Mart's highest volume of sales ever for the first day of a musical release."

In units, sales of 500,000 easily tops other recent number ones, like System of a Down's Hypnotize (320,000) and Madonna's Confessions on a Dancefloor (350,000).

The Motley Fool was impressed...not by the sales numbers, but by the way Garth and other stars were used in holiday advertising.

"At a time when the company is coming under fire for everything from its hiring practices to its health plans, notice how the ads steer clear of taking you inside the actual stores. Brooks is driving around. Destiny's Child is celebrating at home. Wal-Mart is conveying positive images without showcasing the actual stores. Good move."