Any time I see a Hot Topic core I have the overwhelming and nearly uncontrollable desire to commit grevious bodily harm. However, one must always think of the legal and social reprocussions, like if I killed someone would that cute barista still make my hot cocoa with soymilk for no extra charge and buy me cigarettes?
Hot Topic is one of my favorite examples of moronic consumerism (second only to Apple, which affects a wider range of people), not stupid, not mis or uninformed, moronic. Hot Topic is a shining beacon of individual and anti-authoritian clothing, CD’s and other knick knacks by the 14-16 demographic of kids who’s father didn’t hug them enough as a children.
- Do you know how many other people own those same knee high converses? Thousands at least, possibly millions. So does that make you an individual?
- When you buy a CD or a T-shirt from Hot Topic how much of that money do you think the band sees? Answer: Not much. Buy a ticket, see a show, get merch there or how ’bout an independent retailer like Newbury Comics?
- It is expensive out the ass. You know those parents you hate because they just.dont.understand? Yeah, while you’re on myspace or stickam or what-the-hell ever they’re WORKING. FOR THE MONEY. WHICH BUYS YOU THINGS.
- Hot Topic sells pretty low-quality stuff. I have never actually “road” tested anything, but a half-assed examination of the stitching on a given article of clothing will tell you that you’re not dealing with premium threads.
- The preposterous level of elitism that radiates from the staff, oozes from their double zeros. Not to mention the peircings themselves are quite preposterous, if I can stick my tounge through it (but I wont, except for once, but I was tipsy) its TOO BIG, MAN.
- Hot Topic is first and foremost a business. And what do businesses want to do? MAKE MONEY! (Hot Topic’s 2009 Revenue was 761.1 Million) They aren’t interested in you, how your day was or when you’re going to give in and “gauge” your ears. Why do I love going to Hootenanny? THE BEIRDOS! DUH! These two guys and their epic beards are the funniest shit ever. I don’t go to the ‘Nanny all that often but when I do, they recognize me.
- Betsy McLaughin. Yeah, you know that band shirt? Those pre-drawn on Chucks? Yup, you just bought her a third BMW. And you know that band who’s shirt you just bought? Nothing. Nada.
And now we have come to the solution portion of this post. Me just complaining about how much Hot Topic sucks would get you nowhere and would be kind of pointless. So here’s a list of “alternative” stores that rock and with which you can slowly wean yourself off of Hot Topic.
http://www.daddyos.com/
http://www.cutesygir.com/home.aspx
http://www.dcspecial.com/Site/default.asp
http://hotrodvoodoo.com/hrv/
http://www.interpunk.com/
http://www.kreepsville666.com/
http://www.mybabyjo.com/
http://www.mytwocentsclothing.com/servlet/StoreFront
http://www.infectiousthreads.com/
http://www.crustpunks.com/
http://www.rebelrouserwear.com/
http://www.reprodepot.com/
http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/
http://www.sunsetstar.com/
http://www.sailorjerry.com/index.php
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/default.asp
http://www.speedcult.com/
http://www.plushliving.net/
http://www.vintageswank.com/
http://www.whirlingturban.com/
http://www.retrorebels.com/
http://www.collectif.co.uk/shop/home.php
http://www.gojane.com/
www.deadlyisthefemale.com
www.suzyretro.com
www.angryyoungandpoor.com
www.sourpussclothing.com
http://www.smarmyclothes.com/
http://store.derangeddesigns.com/
http://thevintagedoctor.com/vintagestore/index.php
http://shop.heartbreakerfashion.com/main.sc
ttp://www.machetemfg.com/
http://www.angryyoungandpoor.com/
http://www.dp-77.com/
http://www.infectiousthreads.com
http://www.cuteandevil.com
http://www.steampunkcouture.com
http://www.theatomicboutique.com
http://www.vixenchic.com/index.html
http://www.peachberserk.com/store/index.php
So why dont you go apologize to that indie retailer/band/artist that you just screwed out of rent/food/beer (beer is IMPARATIVE to the creative process) and get shopping!
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