• HotTopic

HotTopic

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Overview

HotTopic has a rating of 2.2 stars from 189 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about HotTopic most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and free shipping problems. HotTopic ranks 415th among General Apparel sites.

  • Service
    46
  • Value
    42
  • Shipping
    38
  • Returns
    30
  • Quality
    37
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
5
17
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How would you rate HotTopic?
Top Positive Review

“Would order again”

Lisa B.
4/6/16

Good products, customer service is alright, the shipping has been known to be unpredictable. Sometimes super fast, others a little slow. If buying Christmas presents from here, make sure to order months earlier.

Top Critical Review

“Terrible Customer Service + Nonsensical Cancellation Policy”

Emily W.
5/4/24

I ordered 2 items about an hour ago from HT's website. I get a notification about 30 minutes later saying one item isn't in stock, so I call customer service to tell them to cancel the other item; I just don't want the order. They absolutely REFUSE to cancel the order even though it hasn't shipped. They tell me the only way to get a refund is to wait for them to ship it, then waste my time and money returning it, wait for them to get the return, then finally I'd get a refund. It's absolutely asinine to have a policy like this. They've permanently lost me as a customer and I'm warning everyone else to please don't waste your time and money with this garbage store since they obviously don't care one bit about their customers' time and money.

Reviews (189)

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customer service (59)
Thumbnail of user lisam5101
South Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 20th, 2023

My daughter applied for a job at the Columbiana SC mall store. The manager kept blowing her off, saying she'd call. We were in there and the manager was there. Rather than be honest and tell her that there weren't any positions or she wasn't going to hire her, she kept pretending she was busy. Busy being getting a shoulder rub from one of her employees! I've been a retail manager and know what she was doing. My daughter found a better job elsewhere and Hot Topic lost two regular customers.

Products used:
Too many. Never again

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user maryw1630
Florida
1 review
5 helpful votes
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December 11th, 2020

I ordered 2 shirts on 11/27, recived an email on 12/1 saying it's been shipped but click on tracking number and all it says is that a label has been created and hasn't even made it way to to USPS. They took the money out of my bank account on 12/4 and here it is 12/11 and it still hasn't shipped or been delivered to the USPS. I will NEVER order from them again. Be aware before ordering anything from their store.

Thumbnail of user davidd854
Texas
1 review
18 helpful votes
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January 2nd, 2019

We ordered back on black friday of 2018 it kept saying pending didnt get our christmas gifts called them it was never shipped and they im saying hot topic cancelled our order they robbed our kids of christmas gifts if they couldnt ship then they should have said something earlier so we could have done something else pourcustomer servuce and online sucks will never step in another one of there stores

Thumbnail of user maryw145
Missouri
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2015

Ordered several gifts for Christmas presents on Dec 10th and here it is Dec 22nd and still no package. The tracking info said it was delivered to store but when I went to pick it up they couldn't find it and advised me to call customer service. What a joke. He didn't do anything more than what I had already done, checked th status of package, then called the store and then advised me to wait a few more days for the store to process the order! Are u kidding me? When I said that was unacceptable as I was leaving to go out of town, he informed me that I would have to wait until the order processed thru the store to have it sent back and get a refund! I will never ever do business with this company again!

Thumbnail of user cjf96
New Mexico
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 6th, 2021

I've shopped at hottopic for years mostly for music related things and clothes or a little more unusual clothes that couldn't be found anywhere other than online. With the surge of new clientele that now seems to love the goth style especially in younger women you'd think this company would capitalize on this through different avenues. Instead we come to find a company turned into literal normie, DC comics book, colorful shirt wearing, everything star wars garbage. Not that theres anything wrong with those styles but this store was never envisioned to be and probably will never be the store you go to get this type of apparel. Idk my frustration is the perception of too many that are to lazy to write a review like this, in essence at this point I hope this company goes bankrupt.

Tip for consumers:
If you've come here like the rest of us looking for that darker toned, ripped jeans, black sweaters and band shirts please move on to a website that will most definately have a better selection than this garbage fire.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user summerr8
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2016

I was trying to make a purchase on a sale day with a gift card and the purchase would not go through, so I tried another day and they had taken the balance off the gift card, so i called up and was like hey whats going on and they said that the balance would be returned in 5-6 days and promised me a 30% discount and free shipping and an email that said this information from the "Email Department" so 5-6 days passed and nothing,. And so I called back and this time it was 7 days for sure 7 days, so 11 days later after the first call the balance is returned, so I go online to make my purchase and all the items I wanted to purchase are out of stock... God bless you hot topic and your wonderful service also the first phone call I was on the phone for 42 minutes, so I haven't made a purchase and the gift card my friends bought me for Christmas will stay unused for a while, this was my first online shopping experience with them

Tip for consumers:
DON'T BUY ONLINE

Service
Thumbnail of user rachelm720
New York
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 17th, 2020

I ordered something on Nov. 1, it was Dec. 15 and the item did not arrive (I paid extra for rush shipping). I reached out to them 3 times asking where the product was between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 and they told me it was in transit. They replied saying sorry the item got stuck in transit and wouldn't arrive this month. Finally, I gave up and said I am no longer at the address I ordered to (due to a Covid quarantine) and the item will no longer be needed (since it was an xmas gift). I asked for a full item refund + shipping. They canceled the order and refunded me for the item but not the shipping, and ignored that part of my email multiple times... They kept responding with an automated email, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to get through to them. Very displeased with the customer service and overall experience. They're a dying brand and should just die off already and save everyone the headache.

Thumbnail of user daniellev68
New York
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
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October 21st, 2020

The customer service at hot topic is absolute trash. Worst than Trash. The service representatives are like ribot. My orders have misplaced at least 6 different times. I woukdntvtrust the any further than I could throw them as someine who has spent a decade in customer service I've never seen a more poorly run place. Go get what you need in a store 9r just don't order from them. They're literally the worst.

Thumbnail of user dulcef
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2018

I placed an order on 12/28/17. I received the wrong order, i sent an email on 1/7/17 to *******@hottopic.com. They replied promptly and addressed the issue. They told me my item was no longer available, It is there mistake, why did they send me the wrong item rather than notifying me. Instead they purposely messed up my order and i have to wait even longer. I thought this issue was solved because they told me to expect a refund 5-7 business days. Its 1/16/17 and no refund whatsoever. Wheres my money? I have been waiting so patiently and i am very disappointed.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jasonj146
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 20th, 2018

I am a big fan of the movie IT and my friend told me today that Hot Topic released a new exclusive -- Pennywise in the Gutter pop figure scene. I called around different Hot Topics and they were all sold out except for the store at Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, TX (they had 4). Excited... I told them I was on my way to pick up one. I drove from Dallas (about 45-55 mins) and when I got there... one of the ladies told me in a very "smiley, cheerful demeanor"... oh... we sold out... somebody bought them all 30 mins before you got here. Hot Topic Management - I know CASH IS KING and if YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE but do exercise some discretion. When you are selling an exclusive item -- please be mindful of your other customers. Why was it ok to sell 4 of the same exclusive item to one customer? Wasted my time... Yup -- one star in my books.

Thumbnail of user kims1202
New Jersey
1 review
4 helpful votes
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August 21st, 2020

I made two returns this year via mail (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and they "lost" BOTH packages. The tracking number says delivered and they were even signed for by Hot Topic but Hot Topic claims they don't have them and they aren't responsible for "lost" items even though I have evidence via delivered tracking number and signature that it was delivered. So I'm out a lot of money. Whenever I contacted Hot Topic, they just said they aren't responsible for lost packages due to the carrier. How is this the carrier's fault? Don't waste your money on a company that steals. It's a huge bummer because I LOVE this store and have been buying pop culture items here since middle school but I can't shop here anymore.

Thumbnail of user minok3
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 6th, 2019

Their shipping is extremely slow. I ordered 2 jackets online for my friend's daughter birthday but didn't make it by then. They did not ship out my orders until 5 days later even they were "in stock " and UPS delivery took 8 days to get to Texas from California. DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THEM IF YOU HAVE A DEADLINE!

Thumbnail of user fernandom18
Georgia
7 reviews
11 helpful votes
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October 17th, 2014

Love shopping here but some stores need a fitting room (My area has none) as sometimes the shirts are different kind of sizes. Either way, great shirts and jeans!

Thumbnail of user breef3
Iowa
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 7th, 2017

Ordered a figurine from their website and received the completely wrong item. Asked if I could get it replaced or refunded but nothing was done about it, so now I'm stuck with an item I didn't want.

Thumbnail of user johnh6866
Arizona
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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May 13th, 2022

Why do businesses think they have to put on there websites gay friendly. Why not hetero sexual, black, Chinese, Mexican and white. So what your saying it's a gay store

Thumbnail of user theresep70
North Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 22nd, 2022

Placed order and paid for 2 day EXPEDITED shipping. My order was sent to UPS as standard ground delivery and now won't get here until AFTER I am gone for vacation. Thanks Hot Topic for running my kids Disney surprises. Your customer service suckS

Thumbnail of user alexandrias41
Tennessee
1 review
10 helpful votes
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November 27th, 2020

Did you know if you write a negative review of a Hot Topic product, they can (and will) remove it from the site? I ordered an item 2 months ago and it still hasn't shipped. When I contacted customer service, they basically said they have no idea when it will ship and I'll just have to wait. I published a negative review to warn others of my experience 3 days ago and I just now got an email stating that my review has been removed from the site for violating their "review guidelines." They've made no effort to contact me about fulfilling my order or given any other response besides removing my review from the site.

I definitely DON'T recommend shopping there or doing business with them, I feel like an idiot for even ordering in the first place because their products are so ridiculously overpriced but I took a chance and is was a huge mistake. Don't make the same mistake I made, and don't give them any of your money - because apparently they'll just keep it and never actually send you the products you paid for!

Thumbnail of user honeym8
Kentucky
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 13th, 2019

Really frustrated with hot topic right now. First, I placed an order online and ordered the wrong size shirt. I changed my mind and want to change that shirt completely with a bunch of other things (they had buy 2 get 2 for jewelry). I called this morning to change the order but they said, they can't change the order anymore once it's been placed. I asked if they could give me free shipping for the new items I'm about to order instead and I'll just return the shirt that I didn't want in store. They took my order, took my card info and 6 hours later here we are, I still have not received my confirmation email from them yet. I've already called like 10 times today and it's not like they answer right away either. Really bad experience. If you're going to buy from this company, buy in store or if you're going to buy online, make sure you get the right items because they're really ANNOYING to work with. So annoying I've gone into frustration. This is just adding stress to my holiday shopping.

Thumbnail of user shakirr
Virginia
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2019

Sense Bradley one of ur managers that work at Springfield wanna act like an animal and try to swing on me because he BIG MAD then ima be the zoo keepers and do what they do best. Handlers animals bruh.

Thumbnail of user gayleg9
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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February 13th, 2017

I paid 17.99 EXPEDITED shipping when I WAS GETTING EARRINGS and the Harry Potter PILLOW CASES TOO... NOW OF COURSE JUST EARRINGS AND PAID OUT THE $#*! FOR SHIPPING AND THEY ARE JUST NOW IN TENNESSEE? I WANT A REFUND IMMEDIATELY.
I EMAILED YOU WELL IN TIME TO CANCEL THE ENTIRE ORDER ONCE YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD NO PILLOWCASES... AND THEN PROCEED TO TELL ME I HAVE A SHORT WINDOW OF TIME TO DO IT? IT WAS WITHIN MINUTES. This is for my granddaughters birthday and they best MAKE IT.
YOU MESSED OVER THE WRONG ONE

Thumbnail of user maryo992
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 6th, 2021

I I will never purchase anything from Hot Topic online again they ruined my daughter's Halloween we purchase an order and never went through they never ordered it didn't go through never received it made us believe that we paid for it on a credit card it was never charged never notified us never we never received the merchandise daughter paid half of the merchandise in store and never received anything and will not get her money back she never wore her outfit to school that she wanted so they screwed us out of her merchandise and out of refunding the money she purchased the merchandise within the store

Thumbnail of user brandonv231
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 14th, 2023

They have a lot of different sorts of clothing and jewelry and other different many things that fit what I like to wear and use. Would recommend checking out.

Products used:
4 shirts I bought

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user kalinac
Pennsylvania
17 reviews
78 helpful votes
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July 1st, 2015

I love, love, looooove Hot Topic! The jewelry, the clothes, the posterz, the décor! I ordered a $18 poster no too long ago online. It was waaay bigger than I expected! I enjoy seeing all the unique stuff they have for all kinds of cultures and people!

Tip for consumers:
Aweeesomme!!!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user anthonyr521
New York
1 review
4 helpful votes
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May 29th, 2020

My pre order that I placed months ago got cancelled a couple of days before it's release, very disappointed and extremely unhappy because I waited a real long time for this, it's unfair how people can order the product later and still get there's, and how people can mass order a very hot item and there's no limit per customer, reason why I say this is because then most people turn around and sell it for double the price, hot topic needs to have a better purchasing system or just not be allowed to sell hot or rare items as exclusives if they fail to keep track of inventory and fail to limit customer purchases on a particular HOT ITEM! Like I said I waited months for this and huge disappointment last minute and I've been waiting for hot topic to get back to me and nothing absolutely nothing yet no compensation what so ever.

Thumbnail of user nl127
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 26th, 2020

We purchased two clothing items t from one of HotTopic's location in Canada. After the purchase was made, we realized the amount charged for one of the item did not that on the price tag. Assuming it was a system error we went back to the store to inquire. That's when we were told the price tag was in USD and the price charged was in CAD. How naive of us to expect that both the price tag and price charged should be in the same currency. Otherwise, HotTopic would have given us the option to pay in either currency, right? Before writing this review, we confirmed there were no signage to advise that the price tags maybe in different currencies.
We reached out HotTopic's head office in California and their customer representative confirmed that items are in USD. He was sympathetic that we had to pay in a different currency than that of the local currency and grateful we brought this to the company's attention.
We feel so much better that we have performed a good service with our constructive feedback and left feeling that we were sold something and NOT bought something.

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About the business

Hot Topic specializes in music and pop culture inspired fashion including body jewelry, accessories, Rock T-Shirts, Skinny Jeans, Band T-shirts, Music T-shirts, Novelty T-Shirts and more - Hot Topic

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