In the U.S., Record Store Day has given independently operating music stores something to sing about -- thanks in part to strong vinyl sales.

The annual music celebration launched in San Francisco in 2008. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon that’s not only grown in popularity among consumers looking to purchase vinyl, meet and greet with musicians or catch live performances, but also drives revenue for independent record stores. Album sales the week of Record Store Day have seen significant gains at the indies, with sales the week of the 2011 Record Store Day 39 percent higher than the week before.

Indie record stores continue to have a stronghold on vinyl sales as well.

In 2011, 67 percent of all vinyl albums sold was done over the counter of an indie music store. When independent record stores open for business for this year’s Record Store Day on April 21, they will have already accounted for 68 percent of total U.S. vinyl album sales sold this year through March 18.