Who owns the Hot Topic retail chain?

[piku]

Does anyone here know who owns the Hot Topic retail chain? I was under the assumption that they are independently owned and operated, but I just read a post at a different forum that said The Gap owns them. I also read in the same thread that they are both owned by Kraft. Does anyone have solid info? Thanks

 

[aphex]

What is Hot Topic?
Hot Topic is a mall-based chain of retail stores that specializes in apparel, accessories, gifts, and music for teenagers. Walk into a store and the first thing you'll feel is energy. Energy from the music, energy from the merchandise, energy from the people. All of this is what makes Hot Topic different. The merchandise reflects a variety of music related lifestyles, which include streetwear, retro influenced lounge, punk, club, and gothic. Add to that the wide selection of unique gifts and unusual accessories and you have it: Hot Topic is like no other store in the mall.

History of Hot Topic?

Founder Orv Madden realized in 1988 that no other retailers were taking timely advantage of the direct correlation between music videos, alternative artists, and teenage fashions. Hot Topic takes its fashion cues from music videos, concerts, and music magazines and is always ahead of the curve. Many fashions worn by bands such as Korn, No Doubt, and Kid Rock have often appeared in Hot Topic stores prior to their wide spread popularity. If it's happening in music related fashion, it's happening at Hot Topic right now.

Where is Hot Topic?

Hot Topic is a mall based national chain with locations in 48 states and on the web (www.hottopic.com). Check out the store locator to find the location nearest you (store locator). The company is expanding rapidly. By the end of 2001, there will be over 340 stores with growth continuing each year. Hot Topic is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol HOTT.

 

[piku]

Yeah, I saw that, which is what leads me to believe they are a seperate company.

 

[aphex]

<< Yeah, I saw that, which is what leads me to believe they are a seperate company. >>



Yea, thats what i assume too...

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

that store....i hate it when my g/f drags me in there....little trendy f*cks...that store makes me sick!! and SO OVERPRICED!!!! man...i just go to the cd player thing and listen to the least annoying cd in it until she's done lookin around...

 

[peto]

<< Hot Topic is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol HOTT. >>


Ah, that's great. All those stupid anarchist goth kids are supporting a company thats listed on Nasdaq.

 

[bonk102]

good music mix cd's though

 

[FelixDeCat]

publicly owned:

click here

 

[b0mbrman]

Ha ha. When I saw your title, I was gonna jokingly guess gap