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Hot Topic

Mall-based chain aimed at teens.

Headquarters:
18305 East San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748
Employees: 2,500
CEO: Elizabeth McLaughlin
Stock Symbol: HOTT

Website: http://www.hottopic.com

Career Site

Hot Topic, Inc. is a national mall-based specialty retailer. Hot Topic offers apparel, accessories and gifts to young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and 22. Torrid, the company's second concept, provides plus-size fashion-forward apparel and accessories that target young women principally between the ages of 15 and 29.

As of May 2010, the company operated 681 Hot Topic stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico along with 155 Torrid stores.

In 2009, Hot Topic reported revenues of $736.7 million and net income of $11.8 million.

History

Hot Topic opened its first store in the fall of 1989 in Westminster, CA by Orv Madden. The store sold music accessories aimed at teens and added clothing in the next year.

By 1995, the company had 30 stores and opened its first East Coast location in Staten Island, NY. The company would go public in 1996.

Benefits

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:

Medical*
A comprehensive medical plan includes preventive care, urgent care, maternity care, mental health, hospital coverage, prescription drug coverage and more. HMO, PPO and traditional Indemnity plans are available depending upon work location.

Dental*
A comprehensive dental plan includes preventative care, as well as acute care and orthodontia coverage. Network and Indemnity plans are available depending upon work location.

Vision*
A general vision care plan covers annual eye exams, as well as offering a discount on frames, lenses and contact lenses when using preferred providers.

Life Insurance
Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is issued at no cost to employees. In addition, employees are given an opportunity to apply for additional coverage.

Short Term Disability (STD)
Short Term Disability coverage is provided at no cost to employees.

401(k) Plan
All Hot Topic employees who meet eligibility requirements may invest in the Company 401(k) Plan. Employees may rollover a 401(k) balance from a previous employer at any time.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
All Hot Topic employees who meet eligibility requirements may enroll in the Company ESPP plan. The ESPP allows employees to put aside a percent of their income, on a post-tax basis, to purchase stock up to twice annually at a discount.

PLUS, ALL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME REGULAR ASSOCIATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR:

Employee Discount*
Employees are encouraged to wear the clothing and accessories Hot Topic sells. Employees are eligible to a 40% discount on apparel, accessories, shoes, and gift certificates, and a 20% discount on music and video.

Tuition Assistance Program
Employees may apply for Tuition Reimbursement for qualified courses and college degree programs after 1 year of service. Tuition and books are covered with some restrictions, and all covered fees are reimbursed after completing the qualified course with a satisfactory grade.

Scholarship Program
Employees may apply for one of several scholarships after 6 months of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)*
The EAP offers employees and their families free confidential assistance for issues involving emotional well-being, financial, legal, addiction and recovery, education and more. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either by phone or through up to 3 in-person visits per year.

*Employees' spouses, qualified domestic partners and dependent children are eligible

Updated July 5, 2010