Hot Topic was known as the loudest store in the mall when they first appeared in the early 90’s. The idea was to create a store for teens, both girls, and guys and to focus on the music fan.
Loud music would radiate from the store as you walked by, mostly metal and hard rock. The inventory was mostly an array of graphic tees featuring Bauhaus, The Cure, TSOL, and Depeche Mode. They also had a unique collection of emo-style / gothic appeal and accessories. You could get a paddock straight jacket (I still have this) and other oddball items.
Eventually, after the grunge rock, the emo-gothic trend began to fade away ( I blame the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for this), the atmosphere and inventory at Hot Topic also changed.
The first noticeable change of the 2000’s was light. The original store was always so dark and dim, but now you could actually see what you were buying. Also, the music got a little lower (probably due to mall rules). The clothes would also now focus on more pop culture (yet still underground cult favorites) like Sponge Bob, Super heroes, and yes even Disney tees.
While some of the changes have just made me feel old (gee, I remember when it was cool to be all moody and goth), not all the changes are a bad thing. Because now you can also add Kawaii items to that inventory list, as Hot Topic recently unveiled a line of Ghibli Studio tees and accessories.
If you are an anime fan on any level you most likely have heard of Ghibli Studios, makers of some of the most popular and heartwarming anime films. Films like My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki’s Delivery Service.
As you can see the there have several Totoro tees and hoodies to choose from.
Personally, I’m loving the Kiki’s Delivery Service Tees. Especially the “Special Deliver” tee because it pulls from one of the funniest scenes in the movie.
So, in short if you love anime and Ghibli you can now g, t a dose of it at your local Hot Topic. Enjoy!
