Hot Topic Reviews

Former Employee – worked at Hot Topic full-time for more than 7 years

Pros – music and cool merchandise to sell

Cons – too many pogs, low payroll

Advice to Senior Management – be ready to move alot of stuff.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at Hot Topic part-time for more than a year

Pros – Everything!!! I love being challenged and I continue to grow with a higher business acumen every day. The merchandise is great and I am so excited about the license product we have.

Cons – None that I can think of

Advice to Senior Management – I am reading some negative reviews on here and I am just beside myself. This company has given me so many great things to be proud of. Those complaining are just disgruntled or were fired. How could you not love this job? My district manager is invested in me and treats me like s human being. Where he is tough, he is also respectful and cares about me. I couldn't ask for a better boss. I absolutely love my Store Manager. She gives me the tools I need to get the job done. She is and will be amazing for my growth. My store is upbeat and we know how to get it done!!!!

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at Hot Topic part-time for more than 7 years

Pros – I have worked here for over five years now. I have seen some great and terrible company changes. I love my staff and my customers. We try to make our store a place that everyone can call home. I get to meet some really crazy people and learn about music and pop culture. I try to work with my staff so we all get an understanding for one another and always offer an open door. Being small staffed we can really have one on one sessions and bring a little advise to each other. My co workers are my best friends and team mates!

Cons – Our payroll is REALLY low. We are a small store and it becomes hard to properly train everyone when we don't have the time. We are expected to throw the noobies out there and if they don't get it, get rid of them. While we have never used this process, I know other managers who have. It's just not ideal and not fair. We only have one full time employee so it's tough luck for everyone else when it comes to hours. We try to make it as fair as possible. Pay is not that great either. Newly hired are started out on minimum wage. Being there 5 years I'm only making about $3 more than when I started, which was not a lot to begin with.

Advice to Senior Management – Let the stores that are doing well, manage the business. We know what works for our community so let us do it. No more last minute promo changes. No more exceptions for the crappy customer who comes to start a fight so they can get their way. We have a return policy for a reason. No more secret shoppers. No more key items! I love this company and I only want to see it grow and become a part of people's lives. I wish we had more incentives and drives to help our employees feel appreciated. Payroll is a big part of it. More full time opportunities and pay increase.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Former Employee – worked at Hot Topic full-time for more than a year

Pros – You get an excellent discount, so this comes in handy when they want you to promote the items in the store. Fun music.

Cons – They try to start you at the very bottom of minimum wage. The managers are sneaky. Hard to get a promotion.

Advice to Senior Management – Pay more! Management decides how much they want to start you off at but they choose the bare bottom! Also, management in the store I worked at constantly stole and when it was reported the DM said to mind your own business! Terrible terrible practices at this company.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend – I'm not optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at Hot Topic full-time for more than 10 years

Pros – Culture, flexible schedule, music oriented, overall company is great at developing staff for career paths within company

Cons – Pay for expectations is low, depending on who your boss is, your development path may not be important

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at Hot Topic full-time for more than 3 years

Pros – No dress code
Discount
Set 40 hours
Always something to do
Ability to hire staff to create strong team without micro managing from higher ups
Interactive HQ as far as LP and buyers
Great communication with DM

Cons – Constant changes to promos
Not enough hours most of the time
Company can't figure out which direction to go with product: ever.
Can't express opinions about music or fashion or religion
Focus changed from all about culture to making money whatever way we can
Signage is printed off in store; not aesthetically pleasing
Can't apprehend shoplifters but get documented if high shrink

Advice to Senior Management – Work a day or two in store. Learn how long some things take, and deal with the customers.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

Current Employee – been working at Hot Topic

Pros – Some of the people are amazing,

Cons – no real training program, difficult to get promoted without moving, has an open door policy that does not really work.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Current Employee – been working at Hot Topic part-time for more than a year

Pros – Teamwork, Culture, Hours, Freedom, Individuality.

Cons – No room for raises or promotions. Little pay as possible

Advice to Senior Management – Be more competitive as a career builder to hold on to more valuable employees.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

Former Employee – worked at Hot Topic full-time for more than 7 years

Pros – No dress code, like minded coworkers, merchandise discounts. FT employees receive full benefits, 401k and stock options

Cons – As with any retail, the customers. Corporate (they prefer the term headquarters) has lost touch with previous core values, they were cleaning house when I left and a lot of people were let go.

Advice to Senior Management – Hold onto the people with tenure that still have a passion for the company. They are the ones driving your profits, not the products themselves.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm not optimistic about the outlook for this company

Former Employee – worked at Hot Topic part-time for more than a year

Pros – -Customers are some of the best and loyal you will find
-Co-Workers are usually awesome
-Allows for creativity and expression

Cons – -Too much tasking, not enough hours
-Low pay
-Not enough resources to fully complete position duties

Advice to Senior Management – Needs to follow through and reflect with lower staff opinions and thoughts.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend