First, the good news: There is a wonderful holiday sale at Atomic Records.

Now, the horrible news: It'll be the last one.

Ever.

Atomic Records, which has been an East Side institution for nearly a quarter century, is closing. Owner Rich Menning announced the news on the store's Web site.

Menning's message:

"It is with great sadness and more than a little difficulty that I have to announce that Atomic Records will be closing in February 2009.

"The reasons for shutting down are many -- and I'd hate to bore you with wonkish details of shifting demographics, downward market trends, changing consumer habits, etc. -- but the decade-long (and running) decline of the music industry combined with the recent economic downturn have made it impossible to continue doing what we love to do.

"Thank You !"

The note goes on to talk about the 20 percent off everything for the month of December sale. Menning said that he'd rather sell the merchandise than return it.

For more information, check the Web site.