Save Sam Record Man Sign

Internet downloading has claimed another casualty: the landmark Sam the Record Man store on Toronto’s Yonge Street is shutting its doors next month.

Jason and Bobby Sniderman, the sons of Sam Sniderman and present owners of the downtown store say their decision reflects the increasing impact of technology on the record industry.

The closure leaves just two independent Sam’s across the country — one in Belleville and another in Sarnia.

Sam’s store on Yonge Street was started by Sam Sniderman 70 years ago.

In its heyday, there were more than 100 stores across the country.

The brothers had to take the same difficult decision in February, when they closed another store in Halifax after the business couldn’t break even, let alone turn a profit.

They say the store’s iconic legacy “will forever endure and perhaps, other opportunities will arise for us to develop the brand in the expanding delivery of music.”

The Yonge Street store will close on June 30.