Hot Topic, Inc.

Industry, United States

Hot Topic, Inc. is an American retail chain specializing in counterculture-related clothing, accessories, and licensed music and pop culture merchandise. The company caters primarily to youth and alternative subcultures and, in addition to its core offerings, partners with various brands to bring exclusive in-store collections such as the XPLR clothing range.

CCI Score

-22.13

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Allegations of Exploitative Labor Practices at Hot Topic

A March 2025 Indeed review criticizes Hot Topic for grueling shifts, high performance demands, and a lack of adequate support, highlighting concerns about worker exploitation and oppressive labor practices.

Take Action

So what can you do? It's time to make tough choices. Where will you cast your vote?

Shop Alternatives SEE ALL: PVH

Zalando

L.L.Bean
Use Your Voice OTHER TOOLS
Investigate
Share the Score SUPPORT CCI

ACCOMPLICE

Hot Topic, Inc. is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

MAR

10

2025

Allegations of Exploitative Labor Practices at Hot Topic
-59.35

A March 2025 Indeed review criticizes Hot Topic for grueling shifts, high performance demands, and a lack of adequate support, highlighting concerns about worker exploitation and oppressive labor practices.
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 24

The review describes harsh working conditions including grueling shifts and unrealistic targets set by management, suggestive of labor practices that exploit workers. This contributes to an environment where employee rights are disregarded, which can indirectly support broader oppressive structures.

Working at Hot Topic: 815 Reviews about Pay and benefits - Indeed
JAN

01

2025

Hot Topic Careers and Equal Opportunity Employment Practices
77.68

The article describes Hot Topic, Inc.'s commitment to equal opportunity employment, emphasizing non-discriminatory hiring practices and robust employee benefits. This suggests a positive labor relations environment that stands in contrast to exploitative corporate practices, mitigating potential complicity in oppressive labor policies.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 24

Hot Topic’s emphasis on being an Equal Opportunity Employer and its detailed benefits package reflect strong labor relations and respect for human rights. This positive approach suggests the company is taking a stand against discriminatory practices and is supportive of fair labor standards, which counter authoritarian and exploitative labor dynamics.

Hot Topic Careers
AUG

29

2024

Hot Topic Deceptive Advertising Settlement
-75.06

Hot Topic, Inc. has agreed to pay up to $12,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit over allegations of deceptive advertising practices on its website. This unethical business practice has had significant repercussions and raises concerns about the company's commitment to ethical responsibility.
-80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 24

The lawsuit against Hot Topic, Inc. for deceptive advertising indicates a serious lapse in ethical business practices. The allegations suggest that the company misrepresented discount offerings, misleading consumers and violating consumer protection laws, which contributes to unethical corporate behavior. Such practices are viewed as complicit in broader patterns of corporate irresponsibility that undercut consumer rights and public trust.

Hot Topic Deceptive Advertising Settlement: Claim $10
DEC

31

2022

Hot Topic Union FAQ Raises Labor Rights Concerns
-31.78

The presence of union-related queries on Hot Topic's Indeed FAQ page raises concerns about worker representation and fair labor practices. This event draws attention to labor rights, questioning whether Hot Topic adequately supports unionization for its workforce.
-40

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 24

The FAQ page concerning Hot Topic's union status indicates uncertainty and concern regarding the company's labor practices. From a left-leaning perspective that values strong union representation and fair worker rights, the lack of clear unionization is a negative sign, suggesting that the company may not be prioritizing the interests of its workforce.

Questions and Answers about Hot Topic Union | Indeed.com