For many, record stores and vinyl albums may seem like long lost relics. 

With hundreds of songs easily transported on cell phones and mp3 players small enough to fit in a pocket, carrying around a crate of albums and a turntable to play music seems unnecessarily daunting, but, for millions of music lovers across the world, there’s no better way to hear a favorite song than with a needle dropped on vinyl.

These nostalgic enthusiasts are actually part of a growing subculture, according to leaders in the record store industry, so much so that an entire day is dedicated to them.

Participating in Record Store Day for the second year, Matt Shaver, owner of Rumor Has It in downtown Niles, said he expects an enormous crowd once again when the store opens Saturday.

“There are limited releases and special releases that are specific to this day — this Saturday, and independent stores and little record shops all over the world participate,” Shaver said.

Started nationally in 2007, Record Store Day is an initiative of independent record store owners as a way to spread the word and celebrate the culture of the more than 1,400 record stores that still exist in the United States, according to RecordStoreDay.com.

Participating stores are sent specific albums that are released only on Record Store Day, and vinyl collectors typically travel from store to store throughout a region collecting items and participating in activities offered by the store owners.

“It’s really grown a lot. There are more albums and more all-around participation,” Shaver said. “A lot of stores will open at 8 — you’re not allowed to open before 8 —  but I’ve found it successful to open at noon. That way albums people don’t get at the earlier stores they can come and get here.”

Gazebo Lovechild and Cabin 52, both bands from the Niles-Buchanan area, will perform at Rumor Has It throughout the day while people shop.

“They’re all young guys, and they’ve played here various times. I had them in for Hunter Ice Festival and we were packed. People love them. They’re spectacular,” Shaver said.

Visitors frequenting participating Record Store Day shops will find a variety of specially-released albums, from classic artists including the White Stripes, Otis Redding and the Doors, to moderns like Kid Cudi, Big Data and Twenty-One Pilots. A full list of albums can be found at recordstoreday.com.

“On top of all the specially released albums, people can shop for all of our albums we have every day. We have new and used albums at a good price. That’s why everybody really congregates here,” Shaver said.

Rumor Has It is located at 216 E. Main St. in downtown Niles.