R.I.P. Sam The Record Man

[crs]

Sam Sniderman AKA Sam The Record Man, lots of great memories there scanning the album racks back in the day. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/sam-sniderman- ... tml?_esi=1

[jon]

The original store in downtown Toronto was nothing like the (mostly or all?) franchised "rest of the chain" of stores across Canada. The prices were better and the selection of vinyl LPs was several times greater at the downtown store.

The period of my visits was 1973-87. Based on that experience, I still have to say it was the best "record store" I ever visited. As well as price and selection, there was never an issue with the quality of vinyl, even if it had been in the store for a dozen or more years.

Compare that to Yellowknife where a couple of weeks in the summer sun warped LPs beyond recognition. In 1974, I got a bunch of us together to do mail order from A&B Sound based on Vancouver Province-advertised sales.

[Eldon-Mr.CFAY]

Greetings Everyone,
Have to totally agree with you Jon about Sam's main record store on Yonge St. in downtown Toronto. Was there a lot in the mid to late 70s and early 80s too as I made frequent trips to Toronto. In fact was there for over 6 months in 1980 working on one of my sisters houses she owned just off Queen Street East. I really loved Sam the Record Man in downtown Toronto. Everything you said is true, much, much better than other Sam Locations in other western cities of Canada. I found the staff very helpful and knowledgeable and great selection. Bought quite a lot there and was happy with every purchase!!!!
By comparison the Coquitlam Center Mall Store was okay but nothing like downtown Toronto. Anyway Sam was a great record store entrepreneur and kind of sad to see him go. But I was more saddened to see the record store go in Toronto when it closed!!!

Take care everywhere and long live vinyl records!!!!!

73s Eldon