 sam the record man was a canadian record store chain that, at one time, was canada's largest music recording retailer. in 1982, its ads proclaimed that it had "140 locations, coast to coast".  the internet age, competition with the hmv chain and other factors, forced sam the record man into bankruptcy on october 30, 2001, although its flagship location remained in business until june 30, 2007. one independent franchise store, in belleville, ontario, continues to bear the sam the record man name. == founding == the chain was launched in 1937 by sam sniderman (d. september 23, 2012) and sidney sniderman, as a record department in his family's existing store, sniderman radio sales & service, at 714 college street (now home to l squared salon) in toronto.  in the late 1950s a second store was opened on yonge street. on labour day 1961, the new store moved north to its location at 347 yonge street where it became a toronto landmark.from a newspaper ad in the collection of frederick harrison, former store employee 1981-2007. eventually the original college street location was closed. the flagship store of the competing a&a records chain was located nearby at 351 yonge street. steeles tavern was between the two stores at 349 yonge street. == iconic neon signs ==  the yonge street location was always noted for its kitschy signage. {{cite news | last = vincent | first = donovan | title = heritage designation saves signs from sam's | newspaper = the toronto star | date = 2007-0
1937_establishments_in_Ontario 2007_disestablishments_in_Ontario Companies_disestablished_in_2007 Companies_established_in_1937 Companies_that_have_filed_for_bankruptcy_in_Canada Defunct_retail_companies_of_Canada Music_retailers_of_Canada