Hot Topic is privately owned company that is based in City of Industry, California. Founded in 1988, the store specializes in counter culture apparel and accessories inspired by punk music, goth lifestyle and pop culture. There are more than 625 Hot Topic retail stores located in the United States, and all of the items found in stores can be purchased online at HotTopic.com. Nearly half of the stores sales are for t-shirts that feature band logos and graphics and logos and graphics related to popular movies, television shows and books. The store also sells general apparel for guys and girls as well as footwear and accessories.