2 /5 Chris Soares: I used to shop here all the time before the pandemic.
Lately the products hot topic sells just suck? All the accessories are something I could buy online cheaper for the same quality, or from small business for better quality and the same price! I also feel really uncomfortable with the full hentai shirts they have... Hot topic is suppose to be more of like a teen friendly version of Spencers. It makes sense for Spencers to have hentai clothes but it makes me uncomfortable thinking of how adults could perceive teenagers (which isnt on the teenager) who wear these clothes? Not something its allow as a parent for safety.
The only products Id for sure say are worth it here are the sanrio specific collections and other collabs you legit cant find anywhere else.
The store itself? The music for some reason is way too loud. I have to shout to have conversations. I think its so the music can be heard from in front of the store but it just makes shopping way too overstimulating for me! Ill have an autistic sensory overload in there so not very disability friendly.
The employees I dont have any problems with, they will chat to you and be friendly if youre someone they can relate to. But even so conversations are hard to have unless youre screaming over the counter to be heard over the music. The manager gives off gatekeep vibes like "youre not like us" sorta attitude but I dont think hes aware of it lol. Just ignore him though because the other employees arent the same.
If you want cool clothes or to engage with other alt kids or whatever there are nicer places in the same mall. Zumiez and vans are both big name brands with cool stuff, other smaller stores have stuff too. Genuinely I would just recommend Spencers. I know they are for older crowd but teens are still able to go inside. They have band tees you cant find at hot topic and constantly support small businesses and artists so youll find pieces you cant get from other stores. The employees are great too and super helpful, they will walk up to you to help you find something or just have a friendly chat. The store itself is also always been laid out in a way I find friendly for my autism. The music is there but in the background. The lay out of the shelves divides everything so you still have a messy teen room look but its not overstimulating bouncing colors and light into my face like hot topic does. It feels calm and I can take my time. You can find one at Oakridge or Great Mall. Or honestly just look for the same products online! I kid you not take a pic with your phone and reverse image search it. The elf ears for example are cheap pieces bought from whole sale (which is why they only come in one skin tone) and stabbed with earrings. You can literally do it yourself for half the price but even better. If you want to see alt kids honestly round one at the mall is the best!! Just go up to someones outfit you like tell them you love it ask where its from and play games together!
Hope this helps??
