First opened in 1988 by Orv Madden, Hot Topic is a retail chain which specializes in music clothing and accessories. The American chain can be found in many large malls. Hot Topic also sells licensed music. The majority of the stores are located in regional shopping malls. Betsy McLaughlin took over for Orv Madden and headed the company until 2011 when Lisa Harper became CEO. Hot Topic began trading on NASDAQ in 1996. In 2006 it was 53rd on Fortune 500’s Top Companies to Work. In 2013 the company was sold to Sycamore Partners for $600 million.
For anyone whose life or interest is music-related Hot Topics fills a niche. You can buy street wear, retro-influenced lounge clothes, punk, club, and gothic attire. Looking for an unusual gift for a music lover? Check outHot Topic’s wide selection of one-of-a-kind gifts items. Are you looking for an unusual accessory? Chances are Hot Topic has it!
