Hot Topic

I received a boxed short at Christmas. Bless my husband’s heart, he thought I was smaller than I am. I tried to return it, but was told they wouldn’t accept it if the box is open. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to be sure of the fit without opening the box– but for the price of the T– short, I should’ve been able to exchange it. I guess they figured we aren’t their ‘typical’ customer– but they don’t realize our daughter would normally spent a lot there. not now

Person named Melanie was rude. Apparently they judge people based on what they wear when they walk into the store. I refused to buy anything there. I’ll try the one in Mainplace instead.

I like what they sell. There’s a lot of items you usually can only find online but you can find here.
My gripe with this store and all the hot topic stores. It’s dark, the music is too loud, the spaces are too small and the staff generally avoid you.
The entire store screams unfriendly and sometimes it just deters me from buying anything. Not to mention the prices are a little high almost always, sometimes buying online is just cheaper. I’d pick the hot topic website over going in store.

I love Hot Topic because music is my favorite thing in the world and this is the main place I get my band shirts from, but the employees who work here need to learn about the bands products that they sell here. I went in and asked for a band shirt by a big punk band called New Found Glory and the guy working there didn’t even know if they were a band or not. That makes me mad because this is a store focused on music and pop culture at least learn about what you are selling.

For all you «conformists» and «Britney and Justin wannabes,» Hot Topic is the store where you can explore your «darker» side. Hot Topic attracts «posers» in all shapes and size looking to «rebel» against society.
Rohlinism: Clothes may make the man, but they won’t make you Goth or Emo! Yeah!
Hot Topic is a U.S. retail chain which mainly sells alternative culture clothing and accessories. In addition, they sell licensed music and band t-​shirts, the latter accounting for 40 percent of the chain’s revenue. Hot Topic often is able to get exclusive licensing contracts from companies like Disney, Sanrio, DC Comics, WWE and Nintendo along with several bands, movies and televisions shows.
The first store was opened by Orv Madden in 1988 and eight years later the company went public. Hot Topic launched Torrid in 2001, a concept store selling clothing to plus size women. In 2013, Hot Topic was purchased by Sycamore Partners for 600 million dollars.
The store (
) is located in the center of the Irvine Spectrum and it is hard to miss.
But seriously, no true Goth is going to be caught dead in any place that sells (
) this stuff … Goths don’t do Disney! I also didn’t realize Harry Potter (
) was still so popular since no major projects have been produced since 2011 (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2). The back of the store has some Gothic like items (
), but some of the colors are still too bright and cheery for a true Goth or Emo. And I really don’t think you can ever embrace your true dark side (
) if you are wearing any of these conformist t-​shirts!
The customer service varies from rather friendly to aloof and most of the workers dress the part. I suspect most of them are just as big of posers as the people that shop there. My kids shop here from time to time, but they sold out to the establishment long ago … Britney wannabe conformists! Yeah!
But there is one group of wannabes I despise more than any other — Vamps!
In case you don’t know the difference «let me make it abundantly clear — if you hate life, truly hate the sun, and *need* to smoke and drink coffee, you are Goth. If, however, you like dressing in black ’cause it’s fun, enjoy putting on sparkles and following the occult while avoiding things that are bad for you, then you are most likely a douchebag Vampire-​wannabee boner. Because anybody who thinks they are actually a vampire is freaking retarded.»
*Special shout out to Trey, Matt, Michael, Pete, Henrietta and Firkle for the quote above*
But I guess with the shout out … I am becoming a conformist! Yeah! But I really don’t care what you posers think!
If your local Vampire Society has become too annoying and FedExing their leader to Scottsdale has not disbanded the society, then you only have one choice left:
«Burn down down, burn down Hot Topic.
Don’t let it steal your soul away.
Burn down, burn down Hot Topic.
Light the fire. Take control.
Burn down, burn down Hot Topic.
Don’t let it take your soul.
Burn down, burn down, burn down Hot Topic.
And take control.
Burn down… Hot Topic.
Burn it down… Hot Topic.»
Written and Preformed by Trey Parker
The store has some unique items that you can’t find at other stores, but it hardly serves as an outward expression of your soul.

This location is wonderful! It’s HUGE, which gives a great wide selection, and lots of options. I especially like how large the sale section is, three or four while huge racks! The staff is really helpful and nice, especially Athena! The store is clean, organized, and really well set up to direct foot traffic. I feel like because of the space, an extra fitting room would be nice, considering how busy this place gets. But I really like this location, and would come back in a heart beat. If you buy over I think $ 50 worth, you get a 40% off coupon to their sister store, Blackheart. Since there is one in the same mall, that’s tally convenient!

I had purchased a jacket online and it turned out to be too big. I do have to admit that it was my fault that I should have returned it right then. However, I have just recently returned from my vacation and missed the return deadlines of 30 days. I tried to return the jacket at this Hot Topic location where I frequently shop at. The tall male associate with short blonde hair (team lead or manager?) refused to do the return even when I was only asking for a merchandise credit for a brand-​new, unworn, fully-​tagged jacket.
Associate: This is past 30 days, I cannot do the return.
Me: I understand, but I’m not asking for money back. I would like to return for merchandise credit.
Associate: No.
Me: But, you take returns without receipts for store credit…
Associate: Yes, but you do have the receipt. So, no.
…I could not fathom how returns without receipt would be acceptable and how returning a brand-​new clothes with receipt would be not. I was merely trying to get merchandise credit that I’ll have to spend back at the store.
On the website, it states «We hope you love what you’ve ordered, but if there’s an issue or you’re not 100% satisfied, return your item (s) to the nearest Hot Topic store.» Also, on the back of the receipt, it states «We want you to be satisfied!»
False advertisement much?
I do know their policy is for 30 days with the receipt. Although, numerous companies allow 60 days and some even past that deadline as long as you keep your receipt. This store had provided one of the worst customer service I have ever received. I was unsatisfied with the whole scenario and the associate’s attitude.
I will not be shopping at this location.
Ps. I went to the Hot Topic location at The Block in Orange. Not only did they allow me to exchange the very same jacket for other items in the store, I was also able to get the buy 2 get 1 free sales offer along with it. I ended spending a little bit more money. All of the associates greeted me and were helpful and friendly. Please tell me how the same company treat their customers differently.

I normally don’t go into Hot Topic. However, I saw some Disney merchandise located inside the store. I went head over heels over the Lilo and Stich merchandise. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I ended up buying green sun glasses and a Lilo and Stich wallet. I can see myself shopping here again.

I work across the street so I come to the Spectrum for lunch everyday. Before heading back to work I always stop by this Hot Topic to see if there are any new Pops! that they have gotten in. I’m a huge collector of Pops! so having this store so so close is awesome.
As a Hot Topic store, I would say its just like any other Hot Topic you see in California. Has a lot of comic stuff now along with Disney apparel for both guys and girls. The customer service is what you would come to expect. Nothing terrible, but also nothing amazing either.
When it comes to Pops! though, this is where the store starts to shine a little more to me. This Hot Topic always seems to get the newest and exclusive Pops! fast and often. They are stocked with the general commons that you see at most stores but when new Hot Topic exclusives come out or the new set of Avengers: Age of Ultron series start to roll out, this store always gets them first and in good numbers. They tend to restock them fairly often too.

I went into hot topic for a specific reason, to find the blue Elsa dress and the skater Ana dress in my size. I walk in and start looking around. Their is a lady working the front (where all the Disney stuff is). I keep looking around and notice she is greeting everyone walking in. I did not get a greeting and mind that I was right next to her. She was a petite frame and I am on the curvier side. I just keep minding my own business and see that there is only one Elsa dress left and it was on display, I look and see the size is a size medium. I am normally a L to an XL, but at times I do fit in M, it really just depends on the cloths. I ask the lady if I could take it off the mannequin and try it on. She looks at the tag and then proceeds to look me up and down and says «It’s a medium» In probably the snobbiest voice I have heard. I was offended. I mean i know I am on the thicker side, but she doesn’t need to pretty much acknowledged it to me like that. I went ahead and tried it on, and it fit perfectly! I did not buy it because I felt so bad about myself. I just couldn’t believe how rude she seemed to come off, especially sense Hot topic is known for selling plus sized items. They should really have people in their that do not judge critically and make the customers feel uncomfortable like she did to me. Over all I do not EVER want to go back into that hot topic.

This location is close to my work, so whenever their website has specials, I do ship-​to-​store here (free).
I’ve had no problems whatsoever with this store, and will continue to ship my Funko Pops and other cool items here: D
Although it may be slightly smaller than other HT stores, they still pack quite a bit of items on the shelves. The Funko Pop shelf is fun to look at. and their merchandise is branching out to include more animé as well.
Have gotten Adventure Time items, Sailormoon, Attack on Titan, and Marvel stuff here!

I just visited this store which spiraled into the most unnecessary service mess I could have ever expected.
When we visit the Spectrum as a family, my husband always makes us visit this store so he can spend an unreasonable amount of time looking at and purchasing band shirts. Part of the reason for why it takes so long is because they don’t organize them in any kind of functional way which requires checking out every shirt in the store to ensure you’re not missing an opportunity. Although that’s not really what this review is about, it is representative of the lack of concern with the experience of the customer. While he checked the shirts this past weekend, I decided to purchase some jeans. I tried them on in store so I knew they fit and purchased them from an associate at the register.
This morning I put the jeans on to run out the door after removing all the tags. I had some appointments and errands which included dropping my daughter off at the Spectrum to hang with friends. As I walked out the door I noticed a red mark at the bottom of one pant leg and upon further inspection discovered the security tag was still on the bottom of the pant leg. Unfortunately I didn’t have the receipt any longer because I had no concerns that the jeans would need to be returned. I figured I’d just get visit the store again after dropping off my daughter so they could remove the tag on the pants I was wearing. Wrong!
I walked right to the store’s register with my two year old son in tow to explain my situation. As I waited a gentleman walked by and asked how I was doing and if I needed any help. I explained my situation, showed him the tag at the bottom of my pants and asked him to remove it. He asked for my receipt. I let him know I no longer have one but that I had just purchased them this weekend at that very store and used my membership card so they should have a record. He said they cannot access that information in the store. I asked what could be done and he said I needed my receipt because that’s the «policy.» As a service and hospitality professional, I know that hiding behind policies is the sign of a bad employee, so I explained that while I understand policies are around for a reason, there has to be some way to get the security tag off the jeans I purchased so I can continue to enjoy them. He reiterated that without a receipt the security tag would remain where it is for loss prevention reasons. I pointed out that since I have the pants on and just walked into their store, he is not preventing loss by leaving the tag where it is, but he is instead punishing me for not keeping a receipt for a purchase I was happy with until I realized that the store failed to remove their security tag during my original purchase. He said he didn’t understand why I would be wearing jeans with a security tag on them and once again stated that policy dictated that he could not remove the tag. This interaction left me to leave the store with a security tag that I must become comfortable with because it’s not going anywhere. So unnecessary.
I attempted to contact Hot Topic customer service for a resolution. The number provided via Google search is 1−800−892−8674. After explaining my situation to the associate at that number I was told that he can only assist people who place orders online or over the phone and told me that the store was my only option for service. I had to ask the gentleman on the phone 3 times if he could give me the number for support with store purchases before he finally told me to call 626−839−4681. That number resulted in a phone tree loop that didn’t connect me with anyone until I selected to speak with purchasing and a gentleman told me he would help me by transferring me to his assistant who would transfer me to customer service. When I was transferred, I ended up in the same loop where the recorded message tells you to stay on the line for service, says you’re being transferred, and then the recording starts over again. At that point I’d spent 30 minutes of my day off with my son trying to get a tag that should have been removed at purchase taken off by searching all of Hot Topic for an individual who was empowered to help me, a long time paying customer. Needless to say, I decided to take my day back, enjoy lunch, and write this review so others will know that Hot Topic is just a corporate machine with nose rings. Thanks for taking my money, giving me a faulty product (that is only faulty because an associate didn’t do all the steps of their job in the first place), and refusing to provide me with a simple service request even after I went out of my way to be reasonable in explaining my situation to anyone willing to listen. I’ve already let my husband know that going forward we will save our shopping excursions for businesses I don’t expect to let us down.

This location is a part of the Irvine Spectrum center and is positioned in the middle high foot traffic area. It’s always neat and well organized with plenty of employees around to answer questions if you have them.
Due to the location, it’s a smaller store overall and has less options than locations you may find in malls. We’ve found a few things in the times we’ve walked in here and the staff has been helpful.
Overall: B+
An A-​OK location if you are looking for a Hot Topic to meander through.

I can always find something to get at Hot Topic. That’s is always the worst part, what to buy. This time it was a buy 1 get 1 50% off. Awesome. My daughter wanted a few different shirts but she settled for a COD Ghost shirt and I got a sick DEADPOOL Belt.
The staff was super friendly, and it’s always awesome to meet people that know what my Cursed Seal Tattoo is.

I used to constantly be here with my one of my daughters, so I got to know everyone pretty well and I will say this place used to be cool when Marcus still worked there. According to the associates, he was fired by Robin who still works there two days before his resignation day. Ever since then, the place is like a prison. None of the employees are as happy as they are anymore and it went from awesome customer service to SELL SELL SELL. The employees don’t care about the customer anymore… just selling. Robin needs to either leave or change her mind set. I don’t come in anymore unless Robin is gone or if Lauren is working. Lauren is super chill. Everyone else just makes me wish the store was how it was last year.

Popped in here a few weeks ago on the way to another store here at The Spectrum. Nothing like a few laughs to lift your spirits for some crazy stuff here. Huge slection of rock and misc t-​shirts, goth stuff, crazy pants… so many things that could easily be incorporated for Halloween. It was a fun store to check out (love this kind of stuff) and great for fun, random gifts for people.

manager was friendly and helpful. gave my wife a two-​fer even though it was a day late. nice selection, convenient location.

In this store two weeks ago to find some gifts for my daughter. The staff was less than helpful and bordered on rude. A lady of my age needs a little help picking out some things my daughter might like to wear. Well the items I bought were not to her liking. No big deal i take responsibility for that but trying to return the items was a disaster. Avoid at all costs.

I love this HT because it doesn’t feel like I’m shopping in my messy closet. They’ve got a great clearance section, which is usually where you’ll find Yours Truly.
The last time I went here, I signed up for their version of a [insert store name here] club card thing. Although this isn’t one of my top places to shop, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to sign up for the free card. Unfortunately, I may never reap the benefits because for whatever reason, I couldn’t register online. Wah.
Guess it doesn’t matter. I’ll be there when the Eclipse merch hits those shelves. Yeah. Blame the decline of HT’s edge to the over 30-​year-​olds channeling their inner 13 year-​old.

They have some badass selections of stuff here. way better than the Westminster Mall or Block locations. :)
that’s all I can say, since it’s a chain retailer anyway. service is pretty good here, but then again, i’ve found that all HT’s have good service.
and we’ve discovered that hot topic is an excellent source for halloween supplies. or costumes. if you don’t already dress like an HT regular. haha.