Hot Topic (stylized as
HOT TOPIC) is an American
retail chain specializing in alternative culture-related
clothing and
accessories, as well as licensed music. The majority of the stores are located in regional
shopping malls. The first Hot Topic store was opened in 1988 by Orv Madden, who retired as CEO in 2000 and was replaced by
Betsy McLaughlin, who headed the company until 2011. Lisa Harper assumed the position of CEO in March 2011. The company went public and began trading on
NASDAQ in 1996. In 2006, Hot Topic was placed 53rd on
Fortune 500's Top Companies to Work For list. In 2013, Hot Topic announced its sale to
private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $600 million.