chart attack: Sam The Record Man To Close Toronto Superstore On June 30

Sam The Record Man To Close Toronto Superstore On June 30
Wednesday May 30, 2007 @ 05:30 PM
By: ChartAttack.com Staff



Sam The Record Man The writing's been on the wall since the Sam The Record Man chain declared bankruptcy in 2001, but the company's flagship store at Yonge and Dundas in downtown Toronto will finally close for good on June 30.

The iconic giant neon records that adorn the location have helped make it Canada's most famous record store since it moved there in 1961. That one shop grew into a chain with as many as 130 stores across the country before things took a downturn in the music industry in general and at Sam's in particular, resulting in the bankruptcy declaration and closing of almost all its outlets. The downtown Halifax store was shut down earlier this year. Franchises in Belleville and Sarnia, Ontario will remain in operation.

The 3,600-square-metre Toronto store was famous for its Boxing Day sales and large selection of titles, but its buying power has decreased in recent years since much of its stock was liquidated, and its repertoire shrunk accordingly. Sam's wasn't as quick as competitor HMV to embrace technology and the emerging DVD market, and its move into online retailing was a failure.

Founder Sam Sniderman, who first started selling records at his family's radio store in 1937, was named to the Order Of Canada for his contributions to Canadian music. He was often spotted around the Toronto superstore, which closed briefly during the bankruptcy proceedings. It reopened in January 2002 as a new company owned by Sam's two sons, Bobby and former Blue Peter keyboardist Jason Sniderman.

Bobby Sniderman placed much of the blame for the store closing on declining CD sales and the vagaries of the retail record business.
"We are making a responsible decision in recognizing the status of the record industry and the increasing impact of technology. But there is a wonderful story to be told here, not about the current state of the industry, but about a family business that operated for 70 years in record retailing. Throughout that time, our family has made significant contributions to the music industry, for Canadian artists and to the community as a whole.

"But our greatest asset has been the contribution from the most gifted group of employees who share our dedication and love of music. This is about more than just bricks and mortar. Sam The Record Man is the most recognizable name in the Canadian music industry, an iconic legacy that will forever endure. And perhaps other opportunities will arise for us to develop the brand in the expanding delivery of music."

While this is a sad moment for a lot of music fans who made Sam's part of their life, the store is in a prime location and worth millions of dollars. So there's no need to worry about seeing the Snidermans sitting on the sidewalk with all of the other panhandlers in the neighbourhood.

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crap, i've been to that one, my girlfriend is from NS. (Im from the uk)

the toronto store used to be the most amazing record store. i remember coming into the city from the burbs to buy 12" singles, they always had a great selection.

it's sad that this landmark is shutting down.

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It was really sad when the Halifax one closed. So many people in the Canadian music industry actually learned the ropes working at that store.

Even up until a few years ago, it was still a pretty decent store. I'd always make a point of visiting it whenever I was in Toronto for shows or to visit friends. If it weren't for that store, it would have taken me a lot longer to work my way through the Loud Family's back catalog, since their albums are impossible to find.

I've managed to pick up some great stuff during their Boxing Day sales as well, like the Left of the Dial box set.

While their selection is not anywhere near what it used to be, I still feel like making one last trip there before it closes.

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For the reasons presented above, the Panel concludes that relief shall be DENIED.

Accordingly, the Complaint is DISMISSED.

I have to go there this weekend. Even if I only buy one single thing, I have to go. We used to have a Sam around in Oakville Place before HMV moved in. The change was very noticeable.

I was wondering what would happen to them.

And some douche on CH (of all the gross, low-budget channels) was ragging about how people don't want to go in there, they want to go into HMV or buy online. I only buy online when it's something I cannot get at all in Toronto, which is rare. And more so, Sam The Record Man actually hires competant employees, not just grabbing for cool emo kids and hipsters. I actually got an Amelie OST recommendation from the guy at a Sam once, all I've gotten from HMV was fucking Justin Timberlake or some thin bullshit like that. Sad to see another one of my favourite stores closing. Always such a fucking awesome store (even if the personality went a little down to bland after 2001.)

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Breathe in, come out

I used to go there with my older cousins when I was a kid...taking the GO Train from Mississauga. I haven't been there in quite a few years though. Too bad they're shutting down. Maybe I should go soon for old times' sake.

R.I.P.





R. I. fuckinP. Yonge Street for that matter.

I used to sneeeek out there w/my older cousins and we thought we were so damn cool. In fact I used to bug to go north see them (the cousins in TO)and drive my parents crazy, just so we could do that. And have illegal drinx. lolz at us but it was, er, earthshaking at the time. Or something.

Last time I was there, which I grant you was in the previous decade, all right? but it was looking bad. And not in a good way.

Imma go have a tiny weep now I think.

Chyia, not a happy girl