Hot Topic Careers, Benefits, Review

Hot Topic is a leading retailer of pop culture and music licensed apparel, accessories, and gifts. Founded in 1989 in a Southern California garage, Hot Topic has grown to over 650 stores in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and employs over 10,000 associates.

At Hot Topic, our teams are comprised of creative, talented individuals who are passionate about delivering the best retail experience and expert customer service. 

Hot Topic Inc. has always been a place for our diverse customers to come together, with products to help them express themselves and tell their own stories. HT Inc. Tech is no different. We create the tools that meet today's customers where they are. From web experiences that excel on desktop & mobile to dynamic native apps for phone & tablet, HT Inc. Tech is the superhero team that maintains order in the universe for Hot Topic Inc.'s three brands (Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and Her Universe). Everyone plays an integral part in this rock band, with product managers, engineers & designers all working together to provide best-in-class customer experiences, cutting-edge business initiatives, and vital support for our Hot Topic Inc. family, from stores to marketing. ECommerce is demanding & ever-changing, with front-end experiences that need to be fresh, seamless & delightful, back-end architecture that needs to be fast, robust & scalable, and custom integrations to connect it all together and take it to the next level. Luckily, our tech stack is modern, flexible and growing. We’re making big investments in technologies that work better, and investments in tools, so our people can work smarter. You have to know your stuff, want to learn even more stuff, and aren't afraid to jump right in to help turn problems into solutions and ideas into deliverables. We have an awesome, talented team, and are always looking for technology rock stars to join the band - so check out our opportunities in IT and ECommerce & Digital!

Music and creativity have always been at the HEART of Hot Topic.

In 2004, we established the Hot Topic Foundation at the suggestion of our store associates. So far, the Foundation has donated over $18 million to non-profit organizations creating music and arts programs for young adults across the country.

In 2019, we added mental health awareness to the Foundation’s charitable mission as a nod to Hot Topic’s legacy as an inclusive space for our diverse community. With your help, we know we can change even more lives in the years to come.

Learn more about the HTF and its impact here: https://www.hottopic.com/hot-topic-foundation/

 At Hot Topic, we’re passionate about a few things: music, pop culture and creating the most amazing in-store experience for our customers and employees. 

We know that our store employees are crucial to the success of the business, we like to call them the HEART of the organization! Take a look below at the key roles they play and the many paths for growth within Hot Topic stores.

SALES ASSOCIATE 

You do-what-it-takes to get things done! Your passion and fun-spirited attitude will take YOU far! Dream it. Do it.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

You establish friendly relations with coworkers and train EVERYONE. You keep the store running smoothly and you think fast on your feet!  

STORE MANAGER
You’re a natural leader who encourages your team to do their best-EVERYDAY! You make it happen! The sky is the LIMIT for you!

TRAINING STORE MANAGER

Growing as a Store Manager, you’re a field expert, and you like showing others the ropes. You understand how people think and learn. You are shaping the future!

NEW STORE OPENING MANAGER

As a Store Manager, you are ready to take on a new challenge and acquire new skills. You are great at building partnerships and bringing teams together. You conceptualize a project and see it to completion. SUPERSTAR!

MULTI UNIT MANAGER

You are ready for the next step as a Store Manager, preparing for the path to a District Manager. You’re a visionary with many talents up your sleeve, and you believe in your own magic! 

DISTRICT MANAGER

The best of the best! You inspire your teams, create synergistic working environments, and always push for success. 

At Hot Topic, benefits are a big deal, and we’ve got you covered! Eligible employees include Full-time employees, Part-time ASMs, and Part-time DC Associates. You can also enroll qualifying family members in our medical, dental, and vision plans. After completing 30 days of employment, benefits are effective on the 1st of the following month.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance 
• Maternity Support Program 

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

• Health Care
• Dependent Care 
• Commuter

INCOME PROTECTION

• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

FINANCIAL & RETIREMENT 

• 401(k) Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan  
• Bonus Potential 

VACATION & TIME OFF

• Flex Time Off
• Sick Days
• Volunteer Time Off 
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave

LIFE/WORK BENEFITS

• Merchandise Discount
• Concert Ticket Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Mobile Phone Discount
• Travel Concierge 
• Legal Assistance 

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities