Vinyl records made their first appearance in the marketplace in the mid-20th century, and soon became household items. Now, in 2013, vinyl records have made a massive comeback.

Vinyl record sales have increased by 17.7 percent since 2011, and by 745 percent since 2008 according to Mashable.

Several circumstances have contributed to this increase, including a shift in pop culture.

Connor Keenan, freshman in pre-business, believes the drastic increase in vinyl sales can be explained by the trends of today.

“One word: hipsters,” Keenan said. “The vinyl record industry wouldn’t exist today without them.”

Businesses have noticed this increase in demand, and many are taking advantage.  Mall stores such as Hot Topic and F.Y.E. are retailers of vinyl records, particularly those released by current artists and bands. These artists have also noticed the new mass interest in vinyl records, and many have started releasing vinyl records as well as digital copies of their albums and CDs.

Ames has its very own vinyl retailer, the Vinyl Cafe, located in an underground basement on Kellogg Avenue.  The cafe, which opened its doors in 2010, features vintage vinyl records, 45s, LPs, cassette tapes and some CDs.  The Vinyl Cafe also sells an array of coffee and other hot beverages as well as local jewelry and artwork.

Natalie Knudson, an employee at the Vinyl Cafe, has a great appreciation for vinyl records. She explains that as new technology such as iPods and MP3s have become more available, our generation has become more fascinated and interested in older forms of technology.

Knudson said she enjoys vinyl records because they’re a fun thing to collect and because of their more attractive cover art. She believes vinyl records are here to stay.

“I think that vinyls are going to continue selling at a good steady rate or increase,” Knudson said. “Modern artists are starting to come out with vinyl copies, and that’s helping the industry a lot. It’s making vinyls a lot more well known.”

Knudson said many people who are big fans of a certain band or artist will purchase their vinyl records as a way of showing their loyalty and dedication. 

Vinyl records have become more decorative rather than listening tools in recent years. Many people will display a vinyl record or two in their dorm room, acting as a visual for a favorite musician.

The Vinyl Cafe in Ames is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays.