Hot Topic

I shouldn’t get a «1^st to review» for just picking an unreviewed franchise, but whatever. I really liked this store back when it opened. No, really. But that was in the mid 90’s before emo or eighties nostalgia were born. They used to have really unique rockabilly/​goth clothing and shoes. And they used to have cool toys and even some vinyl rock singles. Now this place is just shirts with every Nintendo character ever (even Karnov) or every 80’s cartoon character ever (even Silas Greenback). Don’t get me wrong. I love all that stuff. But there used to be more variety in their wares, and not such a desperate attempt to capture the fancy of some Journey-​listening, tube sock-​wearing 18 year old.
One thing over the years that is consistent is the help. They have always been friendly and super-​enthused about working somewhere that isn’t the food court. I say 3 to 4 stars for the Hot Topic of the 90’s, but only 2 for the new millenium model.