Hot Topic Logo PNG
The Hot Topic store started by selling unusual sunglasses, bracelets, and earrings to the local teenagers. Crosses, leather bracelets with spikes, and accessories with dragons were gone in no time. Currently, the chain sells a wide range of music and pop culture merchandise as well as items that would interest individuals who belong to various subcultures. At Hot Topic, there is something literally for everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, or age. The store has close to 1,000 physical locations and an online store.
Meaning and History
Hot Topic was founded in Southern California in 1989 by Orv Madden and his wife in his garage. He wanted to create a cool youth accessories store. After realizing that punk-rock items were in highest demand, the founders decided to turn Hot Topic into a chill-out place for young goths, punks, and emos. In just a few months, it became the first place where it was possible to get music group t-shirts that were available only at the concerts. In 2013, the company was bought by a private investmentfirm, Sycamore Partners, for $600 million. Over time, it added beauty products, licensed apparel, and exclusive merchandise. The company also launched Hot Topic’s sister brand, BoxLunch, in 2015.
What is Hot Topic?
Hot Topic is a retail chain that specializes in unique apparel, accessories, and collectibles related to music bands, movies, TV shows, and gaming culture. Its main direction is alternative, punk, goth, and edgy fashion styles.
1989 – 1996
The logo design matches the edgy, alternative fashion and pop culture merchandise that the brand was selling. The name was split between two lines of the same length. The top line features wide strokes and all capsin solid black. The horizontal bar, as well as the center of the “O”, is formed by a zigzag line of a bright green color. This element showed the rebellious spirit of the target audience of the brand. The bottom line uses a stencil font of white color with a thin black outline. It is underlined by a green line that completes the image.
1993 – 2009
The updated version uses a custom, stylized font with daring, uneven strokes and varying character size. The font choice meant to show that the brand is open to everyone, no matter how different and funky they are. The name is printed in one line and uses a bright red to further catch the attention of a young audience.
2009 – Today
The new logo brings back the memories of the original font by combining bold strokes and the stencil font in black color. Unlike the previous version, this logo has all the characters evenly spaced and printed in one line. It looks almost like a sign that someone would stencil on the walls, bridges, etc.
Font and Color
The original logo uses a combination of a bold, geometric font and a stencil font. In 1993, it was replaced by a custom font with irregular, slightly torn lines that appealed to fans of rock and heavy metal music. In 2009, the updated logo features a strong, stencil font that resembles Gunplay typeface.
The original logo and most recent version feature a black color palette that creates bold and mysterious aesthetics. A bright, almost neon green was also featured in the original version, hinting at the unique way that the subgroups express themselves. The red color embodies a youthful, rebellious spirit that resonates with its customers.
