HOT TOPIC INC /CA/ - FORM 10-K

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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - HOT TOPIC INC /CA/	a6673438ex32_1.htm
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EX-10.9A - EXHIBIT 10.9A - HOT TOPIC INC /CA/	a6673438ex10_9a.htm
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EX-10.21A - EXHIBIT 10.21A - HOT TOPIC INC /CA/	a6673438ex10_21a.htm
EX-10.14A - EXHIBIT 10.14A - HOT TOPIC INC /CA/	a6673438ex10_14a.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

x	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File 0-28784

_______________

HOT TOPIC, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________


California	77-0198182
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

18305 E. San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California	91748
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (626) 839-4681

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, no par value	Nasdaq Stock Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.): Yes ¨ No x

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of July 31, 2010, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $235,825,169 based on the closing price on that date of the Registrant’s Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market. All outstanding shares of voting stock, except for shares held by executive officers and members of the Board of Directors and their affiliates are deemed to be held by non-affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock was 44,648,406 as of April 4, 2011.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Certain portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 8, 2011 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) no later than 120 days after January 29, 2011, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K (Items 10 through 14).

HOT TOPIC, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE

FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 29, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page

	PART I
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	12
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	22
Item 2.	Properties	22
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	22
Item 4.	Reserved	22

	PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	23
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	25
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	36
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	37
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	37
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	37
Item 9B.	Other Information	39

	PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	41
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	41
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters	41
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	41
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	41

	PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	42

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements From time to time, in both written reports (such as this report) and oral statements, we make “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. We intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the “safe harbors” created by these sections. Generally, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “continue,” “intends,” “will,” “may,” “plans” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements include, for example, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, such as the extent and timing of future revenues and expenses, economic conditions affecting consumer demand, ability to realize anticipated benefits of cost reduction plans and business changes, ability to grow or maintain comparable store sales, response to new concepts and other expected financial results and information. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us as of the date of this report and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after such statements are made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as they involve risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements. These risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties, are located in the company’s reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including in Part I, Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors” and in Part II, Item 7 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report.

Available Information Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge on our investor relations website, investorrelations.hottopic.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. We also make available our Standards of Business Ethics at that website.

Fiscal Year Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to fiscal 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 refer to the 52-week periods ending January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008. Fiscal 2006 refers to the 53-week period ended February 3, 2007.

References to Hot Topic, Inc. Throughout this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “company” and similar references refer to Hot Topic, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

PART I

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

General We are a mall and web-based specialty retailer of apparel, accessories, music and gift items for young men and women whose lifestyles reflect a passion for music, fashion and pop culture. We operate under two primary concepts: Hot Topic and Torrid. Music and pop culture are the overriding inspirations at Hot Topic and Torrid is focused on providing the best in fashion to young plus-size women. We generate revenues primarily through our retail stores in the United States of America, Puerto Rico and Canada, and online through our websites. We were incorporated in California in 1988.

Concepts

Hot Topic At our Hot Topic stores and on our website hottopic.com, we sell a selection of licensed and non-licensed apparel, accessories and gift items that are influenced by popular music artists and pop culture trends. We also sell a limited assortment of music CDs and DVDs. Our merchandise is designed to appeal to young men and women primarily between the ages of 12 and 22 who are passionate about and have diverse tastes in music and pop culture.

We strive to consistently be the first to expose our customers to new music, pop culture and fashion trends. We believe our ability to quickly identify, source, and oftentimes negotiate exclusivity for, unique and diverse merchandise centered around music and pop culture is one of our competitive strengths. We also believe that our deep-rooted knowledge of music and pop culture, distinctive store design and rich music experiences that we offer (in-store, in-mall and at other venues), are competitive strengths. We opened our first Hot Topic store in California in fiscal 1989 and have since gained a national presence in the Unites States. We also operate in Canada and Puerto Rico.

Torrid At our Torrid stores and on our website torrid.com, we sell fashion forward apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories for plus-size young women primarily between the ages of 15 and 29. It is designed to appeal to women sized 12 to 26 who are young at heart and in attitude and who want their clothes to be an extension of their lifestyles. We believe that our ability to provide our plus-size customers with easy access to the latest and best in fashion without sacrificing fit or style is a core competitive strength of Torrid. We opened our first Torrid store in fiscal 2001.

ShockHound At shockhound.com, we sell MP3s encompassing multiple music genres as well as a selection of apparel, accessories and gift items that are influenced by multi-genre music artists. Customers also have access to exclusive editorial and video content and a social networking community. Our customers may make MP3 and merchandise purchases in a single transaction. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we announced that ShockHound’s operations will be discontinued. Refer to “NOTE 15 – Subsequent Events” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information concerning the discontinuation of ShockHound.

Merchandising

Hot Topic Merchandise Hot Topic’s music/pop culture-licensed merchandise includes tee shirts, hats, posters, stickers, patches, books, novelty accessories, CDs and DVDs and the music/pop culture-influenced merchandise includes women’s and men’s apparel and accessories, such as woven and knit tops, skirts, pants, shorts, jackets, shoes, costume jewelry, body jewelry, intimate apparel, sunglasses, cosmetics, leather accessories and gift items. Hot Topic’s diverse and extensive selection of merchandise is regularly tested to stay current with customer demand and new product trends. We have several lines of private label merchandise to complement and supplement our current product offerings.

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, Hot Topic’s major merchandise categories expressed as a percentage of net sales:

	Fiscal Year
	2010			2009

Fashion accessories		33	%		31	%
Fashion apparel		12			14
License		27			30
Music		26			23
Other		2			2
		100	%		100	%

Torrid Merchandise Torrid sells both branded and private label merchandise that includes casual and dressy jeans and pants, fashion and novelty tops, sweaters, skirts, jackets, dresses, hosiery, shoes, intimate apparel and fashion accessories.

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, Torrid’s major merchandise categories expressed as a percentage of net sales:

	Fiscal Year
	2010			2009

Apparel		75	%		76	%
Accessories		25			24
		100	%		100	%

Merchandising Staff Hot Topic’s team consists of a Chief Music Officer, Divisional Merchandise Managers, a staff of buyers and assistant buyers who manage the various product categories, a Trend Director and an Internet team. Torrid’s team consists of a Chief Merchandising Officer, a buying team, a product development team, a sourcing team, a fit and quality assurance team as well as an Internet team. In determining which Hot Topic merchandise to buy, the merchants spend considerable time viewing music videos, reviewing industry music sales, viewing movie releases that appeal to our teen customers, monitoring music radio station air play, viewing YouTube videos, consulting with sales associates, reviewing customer requests, attending trade shows, nightclubs and concerts, reading music and fashion industry periodicals and monitoring music, pop culture and social media websites. Their goal is not only to identify emerging trends early, but to quickly move on from them before the popularity of the trends wane. At Torrid, in order to remain in tune with reigning trends and preferences, the merchandising team conducts fashion research from a variety of sources within and outside the United States. Such sources include fashion hot spots, customer and store associate feedback, entertainment and pop culture venues and trade shows.

Purchasing Our goal is to provide exclusive, diverse, trend-setting merchandise to our customers early and at the right price. We purchase merchandise from a broad base of domestic and international vendors and only commit to a majority of the merchandise in as little as two weeks and as much as three months in advance of delivery, depending on the category, in order to respond quickly to emerging trends. We regularly monitor sales to determine desirable product types and quantities, emerging or declining trends and the spending patterns of our customers. We solicit input from our vendors and maintain productive relationships with them to support our effort to deliver quality, fashionable merchandise that is reflective of new and emerging trends. No vendor individually accounted for more than 10% of our merchandise purchases during fiscal 2010.

Planning and Allocation Planning and allocation of our inventory is done by merchandise classification and Stock Keeping Unit, or SKU, using integrated third-party software. Most merchandise is ordered in bulk and then allocated to each store based on sales performance and inventory levels. Our buyers, merchandise planners and allocation analysts consider current inventory levels, sales history, projected sales, planned inventories, store demographics, geographic preferences, store openings and planned markdown dates to determine SKU reorder quantities.

Distribution and Fulfillment To facilitate timely and efficient merchandise distribution to our stores and internet customers, we have distribution centers located in California and Tennessee, both of which are sufficient to meet our anticipated needs over the next several years. Substantially all merchandise is delivered to our distribution centers and within one to two business days of receipt, it is inspected, allocated, picked, prepared and boxed for shipment to our stores and internet customers. Merchandise is shipped from the distribution centers daily and minimal back stock is maintained.

Stores

Location and Site Selection As of the end of fiscal 2010, we operated 657 and 153 primarily mall-based Hot Topic and Torrid stores, respectively, in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Refer to “Item 2 – Properties” for a geographical breakdown of stores by state and country. In selecting a site for a new store, we target high-traffic shopping areas with favorable lease terms and suitable demographics of likely customers.

Design and Environment The look and feel of our Hot Topic and Torrid stores continue to evolve. Our newer Hot Topic stores are designed to have an open, transparent look with all-glass store fronts and smaller, mobile floor fixtures that we believe highlight the merchandise and encourage easy navigation and discovery throughout the store. Our Torrid stores present a youthful atmosphere designed to create a comfortable and fun environment for our customers.

Sales During fiscal 2010, average sales per Hot Topic store was $0.8 million and average sales per square foot of store space was $426. Average sales per Torrid store in fiscal 2010 was $0.8 million and average sales per square foot of store space was $326.

Expansion We have significantly slowed our new store growth and aggressively pursue renegotiating or extending existing leases with more favorable terms. We continue to close stores that do not meet our expectations of profitability and remodel or relocate stores where there is a reasonable expectation of satisfactory sales results after the remodel or relocation.

In fiscal 2010, our capital investment to open a typical new or remodeled Hot Topic store in the United States, including leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures, was approximately $188,000, while our capital investment to open a new Hot Topic store in Canada was approximately $367,000. These stores have square footage similar to current averages of 1,762 square feet. The average initial gross inventory for a new Hot Topic store opened in fiscal 2010 was approximately $102,000 and the average pre-opening costs for a new Hot Topic store in the United States and Canada were approximately $18,000 and $59,000, respectively. Initial inventory requirements vary at new stores depending on the season and current merchandise trends.

In fiscal 2010, our capital investment to open a new Torrid store, including leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures, was approximately $264,000. The average initial gross inventory for a new Torrid store opened in fiscal 2010 was approximately $89,000. Initial inventory requirements vary at new stores depending on the season and current merchandise trends. The average pre-opening costs in fiscal 2010 for a new Torrid store were approximately $26,000. The new Torrid stores have square footage similar to current averages of 2,496 square feet.

The following table shows our historical store expansion and closure activity for the periods indicated and our planned activity in fiscal 2011. All store expansion and closure activity is evaluated by our real estate committee.

	Number of Stores
	Estimate			Actual
	Fiscal Year
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007			2006
Hot Topic
Beginning of Period		657			680			681			690			694			663
Open *		3			6			2			4			9			34
Close **		(25	)		(29	)		(3	)		(13	)		(13	)		(3	)
End of Period		635			657			680			681			690			694
Remodeled/relocated		30			24			16			14			70			22

Torrid
Beginning of Period		153			156			159			151			131			120
Open		5			3			1			11			23			12
Close **		(5	)		(6	)		(4	)		(3	)		(3	)		(1	)
End of Period		153			153			156			159			151			131
Remodeled/relocated		5			-			-			-			1			-

* Includes three new stores opened in Canada during the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
** Includes stores impacted by our cost reduction plan.

Operation Teams Hot Topic and Torrid each have a Vice President of Store Operations who leads a divisional operations team. Supporting the Vice President of Store Operations for each division are regional directors who oversee multiple district managers, and district managers who typically oversee approximately ten stores. A typical store has a store manager, two assistant managers, and five to eight part-time sales associates, depending on the season. We believe our distinct culture attracts Hot Topic sales associates that are passionate about music and pop culture and Torrid sales associates that are passionate about fashion for the plus-size customer. Each member of our store operation teams receive comprehensive training that is customized to fit their roles and responsibilities. In addition to base pay and the opportunity to participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Hot Topic 401(k) Plan if eligible, we offer incentive programs to some members of our store operations teams based on achieving certain sales levels.

eCommerce Operations

Websites Our hottopic.com and torrid.com websites provide convenient access to a broad selection of merchandise for sale, including some Internet exclusive items, information on upcoming events, promotions, store locations, job postings and community features. Customers may also access our hottopic.com website through touchscreen kiosk terminals located within each Hot Topic store. These kiosks allow customers to access, purchase and ship merchandise from hottopic.com to the store or their homes.

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, Internet sales for Hot Topic and Torrid (in thousands, except percent amounts):

	Fiscal Year
	2010			2009			2008

Hot Topic Internet Sales	$	40,100		$	35,800		$	30,100

Hot Topic Internet Sales as a Percentage of Total Hot Topic Sales		7.4	%		6.3	%		5.0	%

Torrid Internet Sales	$	33,695		$	29,500		$	23,700

Torrid Internet Sales as a Percentage of Total Torrid Sales		21.6	%		19.2	%		15.7	%

Marketing

Hot Topic We strive to increase sales and our brand recognition, enhance the customer shopping experience and reach out to new customers using a unique combination of tools including: promotional signage in stores and on our website; viral online marketing; branded gift cards; through our loyalty program; social media; reliance on our customers and associates; compelling store designs; and experiential events. During the fourth quarter of 2009, we launched our loyalty program, HT+1. HT+1 is free to join and is designed to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat sales by allowing members an opportunity to earn points in a variety of ways, including store visits, store purchase and online purchases. In addition, HT+1 allows us to communicate to members about products and events that are relevant to them as well as giving members access to exclusive events that are not available to other customers. Touchscreen kiosk terminals located within each Hot Topic store offer another way that members may access their HT+1 loyalty accounts. Since the launch, over six million people have become HT+1 members.

Torrid We seek to build the Torrid brand with many of the same tools used by Hot Topic, as well as with print media, direct mail, special television promotional segments and national “model search” contests. Our Torrid loyalty program, divastyle®, gives us the chance to regularly communicate with our most loyal Torrid customers. They are rewarded throughout the year with special offers, promotions, information and updates on new products and current trends available at Torrid. Customers may also participate in our private label Torrid credit card program, divastatusSM.

Information Technology Our information systems provide for the integration of store, internet, merchandising, distribution, financial and human resources records and data. Many of these information systems have been customized in varying degrees to fit our business needs and we license a full range of software from different vendors. We regularly upgrade existing systems or replace all or part of an existing system with one that we believe is better suited to our business. In addition, we occasionally implement new technology to support our business.

Trademarks Our trademarks, which constitute our primary intellectual property, have been registered or are the subject of pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with the registries of many foreign countries. In addition, we have common law rights to certain trademarks, service marks and trade names used in our business from time to time. We are unaware of the use of any of our marks raising any claims of infringement or other challenges to our right to use our marks in the United States.

Seasonality Our business, particularly at Hot Topic, is subject to seasonal influences, with heavier concentrations of sales during the back-to-school, Halloween and holiday (defined as the week of Thanksgiving through the first few days of January) seasons and other periods when schools are not in session. The holiday season has historically been our single most important selling season. We believe that the importance of the summer vacation and back-to-school seasons (which affect operating results in the second and third quarters, respectively) and to a lesser extent, the spring break season (which affects operating results in the first quarter), as well as Halloween (which affects operating results in the third quarter), all reduce our dependence on the holiday selling season, but this may not always be the case or always affect the company to the same degree. As is the case with many retailers of apparel, accessories and related merchandise, we typically experience lower net sales in the first and second fiscal quarters relative to other quarters.

Competition The apparel, music and accessory categories within the retail industry in which we operate are highly competitive and are subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. We compete with numerous retailers for vendors, teenage and young adult customers, suitable store locations and qualified associates and management personnel. We currently compete with street alternative stores located primarily in metropolitan areas; shopping mall-based teenage-focused retailers; big-box discount stores; music stores; mail order catalogs and websites; and with numerous potential competitors who may begin or increase efforts to market and sell products competitive with Hot Topic and Torrid products. Torrid has additional competitors who operate plus-size departments in department stores and discount stores. Increased competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Employees As of the end of fiscal 2010, we employed approximately 2,400 full-time and 6,500 part-time associates. Of our 8,900 associates, approximately 800 were headquarters and distribution center personnel and the remainder were field management and store associates. The number of part-time associates changes based upon seasonal needs. None of our associates are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Executive Officers Our executive officers and their ages are as follows:

Name	Age	Position

Lisa Harper	51	Chief Executive Officer and Director
Gerald Cook	58	Chief Operating Officer
Chris Daniel	53	President, Torrid
James McGinty	48	Chief Financial Officer
John Kirkpatrick	42	Senior Vice President, Chief Music Officer, Hot Topic
George Wehlitz, Jr.	50	Vice President, Finance

Lisa Harper has served as Chief Executive Officer since March 2011, and served on our Board of Directors since June 2008. Prior to joining us, she served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gymboree Corporation, a publicly-traded corporation operating a chain of specialty retail stores for children and women, from June 2002 until her retirement in July 2006. From January 2006 through July 2006, Ms. Harper served as Chief Creative Officer of the Gymboree Corporation. From February 2001 through January 2006, Ms. Harper served as Chief Executive Officer of the Gymboree Corporation and from February 2001 through June 2002, she was Vice Chairman of the Gymboree Corporation’s Board of Directors. From 1995 through 2001, Ms. Harper held various merchandising and design positions at the Gymboree Corporation and before that, held similar positions with several other clothing retailers, including Limited Too, Esprit de Corp., GapKids, Mervyn’s, and Levi Strauss. Ms. Harper also served as a director of Longs Drug Stores Corporation from February 2006 to May 2008. Since 2008, Ms. Harper has developed and operated a hotel in Mexico. Ms. Harper holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Gerald Cook has served as Chief Operating Officer since June 2008. From November 2005 through June 2008, he served as President, Hot Topic Inc. From September 2003 to October 2005, he was President of the Hot Topic division. From February 2001 to September 2003, he was Chief Operating Officer. From February 1999 until joining us, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Travel 2000, Inc. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Cook was Senior Vice President, Operations for The Bombay Company, Inc. and from 1989 to 1995, Mr. Cook was the Vice President, Stores and the Vice President, General Merchandising Manager of Woman’s World Stores. Prior to 1989, he held management positions with Barnes & Noble/B Dalton, The Gap Stores and the Limited, Inc. Mr. Cook holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Chris Daniel has served as President of our Torrid division since November 2006. From September 2006 to November 2006, he was Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer for Torrid and from October 2004 to August 2006, he was Vice President, General Merchandise Manager for Torrid. Prior to joining Torrid, Mr. Daniel held various design and merchandising positions with national department and specialty retailers. Mr. Daniel holds a B.A. degree in English Literature from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Daniel has tendered his resignation as President of our Torrid division, effective as of April, 29, 2011, but prior to that time he continues to serve as President of our Torrid division and assist in transition matters.

James McGinty has served as Chief Financial Officer since February 2001. Mr. McGinty joined us in August 2000 as Vice President, Finance and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in February 2001. From July 1996 to July 2000, Mr. McGinty was Vice President-Controller at Victoria’s Secret Stores, the leading brand and largest specialty retailer division of the Limited, Inc. From 1984 to 1996, he held various financial and accounting positions within the Structure and Express divisions of The Limited, Inc. Mr. McGinty holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

John Kirkpatrick joined us in April 2007 as Senior Vice President, Chief Music Officer of our Hot Topic division. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Kirkpatrick served as Senior Vice President, Music and Creative Affairs at Paramount Pictures. Prior to that, Mr. Kirkpatrick served as Senior Vice President, A&R / Soundtracks at Elektra Records from 1996 to 2004. From 1990 to 1996, he held various management positions at Laffitte Entertainment Division. Mr. Kirkpatrick attended the University of South Florida.

George Wehlitz Jr. joined us in April 2008 as Vice President, Finance. From November 2005 to January 2008, Mr. Wehlitz was Chief Financial Officer at Cycle Gear, Inc., a specialty retailer of motorcycle apparel and accessories. Mr. Wehlitz previously served Hot Topic, Inc. as Vice President, Controller in February 2002, and then served as Vice President, Finance from August 2003 to November 2005. From August 2000 to February 2002, Mr. Wehlitz was Chief Financial Officer at The Popcorn Factory, a catalog company for gourmet popcorn gifts. From 1987 to 2000, Mr. Wehlitz held various financial-related positions, at the divisional and corporate level, for The Bombay Company, Inc. Mr. Wehlitz holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from Texas Christian University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

CERTAIN RISKS TO OUR BUSINESS

The statements in this section describe the major risks to our business and should be considered carefully, in connection with all of the other information set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The risks described below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also affect our business. If any of the events, conditions, occurrences or circumstances identified as a risk, or an additional risk, actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations, stock price, reputation and ability to achieve anticipated results could be affected.

Our success relies on popularity of music, pop culture and fashion trends, and our ability to react to them

Our financial performance is largely dependent upon the continued popularity of apparel, accessories and other merchandise inspired by music, film, television, pop culture, and fashion trends, particularly among teenagers and college-age adults. The popularity of such products is influenced by the Internet; music videos and music television networks; the emergence of new artists; the success of music releases, movies and television shows; and music/pop culture-related products. The popularity of particular types of music, movies, television shows, artists, actors, styles, trends and brands is constantly changing. Our failure to anticipate, identify and react appropriately to changing trends and preferences of our customers could lead to, among other things, excess inventories and higher markdowns. There can be no assurance that the products we sell will be accepted by our customers.

We depend on a small number of key licensed products for a portion of our earnings and lower than expected sales of those products or the inability to obtain new licensed products could adversely affect our revenues

We license from others the rights to produce and/or sell certain products that contain a third party’s trademarks, designs and other intellectual property. If the popularity of those licensed products diminishes or if we are unable to obtain new licensed products with comparable consumer demand, our sales could decline. Furthermore, we may not be able to prevent a licensor from choosing not to renew a license with us and/or from licensing a product to one of our competitors.

Our recently announced cost reduction and operational initiatives may not achieve their anticipated benefits and could adversely affect our operations and revenues and our ability to respond to future growth opportunities

We are currently implementing a plan to reduce company overhead and close underperforming stores. In addition, we recently announced certain business changes that involve discontinuing our ShockHound operations, writing down unproductive inventory and writing down fixed assets that are no longer critical to the strategic direction of the company. The estimated costs and charges associated with these initiatives may vary materially based upon a variety of factors, including the timing of the execution of the initiatives, the outcome of negotiations with landlords and other third parties and unexpected costs. Any such factor could result in our not realizing the anticipated benefits from the initiatives. Even if we are successful in implementing these initiatives, the loss of personnel and reduction in the number of stores we operate, among other things, may result in decreased operational efficiencies, unanticipated operational challenges and decreased revenues, or leave us unprepared to take advantage of growth opportunities in the future.

Our access to merchandise could be hurt by changes in vendors’ business condition

Our financial performance depends on our ability to obtain our merchandise in sufficient quantities at competitive prices. We depend on independent contractors and vendors to manufacture our merchandise. Substantially all of our music/pop culture-licensed products are available from vendors that have exclusive license rights. In addition, we rely on small, specialized vendors, some of which create unique products primarily for us who generally have limited resources, production capacities and operating histories. Lack of access to capital, as a result of the current economic conditions or otherwise and changes in vendors’ compliance and certification procedures may cause our vendors to delay, reduce or eliminate shipment of products we otherwise would sell in our stores. We generally do not have long-term purchase contracts or other contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities on acceptable terms in the future.

Remodeling, relocating, closing and opening stores may not achieve the anticipated benefits and could create challenges we may not be able to adequately meet

We depend on our ability to manage our existing store base, ensure that the performance of our remodeled and relocated stores is at acceptable levels, open new stores, and close underperforming stores. In order to open, remodel and relocate stores, among other things, we need to locate suitable store sites, negotiate acceptable lease terms, obtain or maintain adequate capital resources on acceptable terms, source sufficient levels of inventory, hire and train store managers and sales associates, integrate new or relocated stores into our existing operations and maintain adequate distribution center space and information technology systems. Moving or expanding store locations and operating stores in new markets, especially markets outside the continental United States, may present competitive, merchandising and regulatory challenges we do not have experience in or know how to face. There can be no assurance that moving or expanding store locations and operating stores in new markets will not adversely affect the individual financial performance of our existing stores or our overall results of operations. In the event that the number of our stores increases, we may face risks associated with market saturation of our products and concepts. Similarly, there can be no assurance that remodeling or relocating existing stores will not adversely affect either the individual financial performance of the store prior to the change, or our overall results of operations. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will successfully achieve our remodel or expansion targets or, if achieved, that planned remodel or expansion will result in profitable operations.

Our business strategy requires innovating and improving our operations, and we may not be able to do this sufficiently to effectively prevent a negative impact on our business and financial results

To be successful we must innovate our products, our stores, and the shopping experience for our customers. We recently began offering a print-on-demand product which allows us to print designs on tees and hoodies. Such innovation involves risks, including that we will not properly anticipate the need for or rate of change, that we are not able to successfully bring about such change, that we will not be able to produce anticipated results, and that our customers will not be receptive to the change. Such innovation also involves significant capital expenditures and other costs that we may not be able to recover if the innovation is not favorably received by our customers.

Failure of our vendors to use acceptable ethical business practices could negatively impact our business

We expect our vendors to operate in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding working conditions, employment practices, environmental compliance and with intellectual property laws. However, we do not control their labor and other business practices. Further, we do not inspect our manufacturers’ operations and would not be immediately aware of any noncompliance by our vendors with applicable domestic or international laws and standards, including our internal standards. If one of our vendors violates labor or other laws or implements labor or other business practices that are regarded as unethical, the shipment of merchandise to us could be interrupted, orders could be canceled, relationships could be terminated and our reputation could be damaged.

Technology and other risks associated with our Internet sales could hinder our overall financial performance

We sell merchandise over the Internet through websites we control and affiliated websites controlled by others. Our Internet sales encompass a significant portion of our total sales and are dependent on our ability to drive Internet traffic to our websites. Our Internet operations are subject to numerous risks and pose risks to our overall business, including, among other things, the inability to successfully establish partnerships that are instrumental in driving traffic to our websites, diversion of sales from our stores; liability for online content; computer privacy concerns; rapid technological changes and the need to invest in additional computer hardware and software to support sales; hiring, retention and training of personnel to conduct the Internet operations; failure of computer hardware and software, including computer viruses, telecommunication failures, online security breaches and similar disruptions; governmental regulations; and credit card fraud. There can be no assurance that our Internet operations will achieve sales and profitability levels that justify our investment in them.

System security risk issues and system failures could disrupt our internal operations or information technology services provided to customers

Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our network security and misappropriate our confidential information or that of third parties, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. As a result, we could incur significant expenses addressing problems created by security breaches of our network. Moreover, we could incur significant expenses in connection with system failures. In addition, hardware and operating system software and applications that we procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs” and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with the operation of the system. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate security problems, viruses and bugs could be significant, and the efforts to address these problems could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service that may impede our sales, distribution or other critical functions. In addition, our systems are not fully redundant and could be subject to failure. Our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient, and we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate us for any significant casualty loss.

Loss of key people or an inability to hire necessary and significant personnel could hurt our business

Our ability to achieve and maintain operating efficiency and to anticipate and effectively respond to changing trends and consumer preferences depends in part on our ability to retain and attract senior management and other key personnel in our operations, merchandising, music and other departments. Competition for these personnel is intense, and we cannot be sure that we will be able to retain or attract qualified personnel as needed. The sudden loss of the services of key people could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our supply chain has risks and uncertainties that could affect our sales and business

The merchandise we sell is obtained from vendors and manufacturers in the United States and outside of the country. Generally, this product is shipped to our distribution centers in California and Tennessee, and from our distribution centers to our stores or directly to our customers using Federal Express and the United States Postal Service. Certain products we sell are imported and subject to delivery delays based on availability and port capacity. Our reliance on Federal Express and the United States Postal Service for shipments is subject to risks associated with their ability to provide delivery services that meet our shipping needs and our ability to obtain such services at an affordable cost. We are also dependent upon the ability to hire temporary associates to adequately staff our distribution centers, particularly during busy periods such as the holiday season. We may not be able to achieve or maintain operating efficiencies using two distribution centers that are located approximately 2,000 miles apart.

Risks associated with contracting directly with manufacturers for merchandise could hinder our financial performance

Over time, we expect to source an increasingly greater percentage of our merchandise directly from manufacturers. We have limited experience in sourcing and importing merchandise directly from manufacturers. We may encounter administrative challenges and operational difficulties with the manufacturers from which we may source our merchandise. Operational difficulties could include reductions in the availability of production capacity, errors in complying with merchandise specifications, insufficient quality control and failures to meet production deadlines. A manufacturer’s failure to ship merchandise to us on a timely basis or to meet the required quality standards could cause supply shortages that could result in lost sales.

We could acquire merchandise without full rights to sell it, which could inhibit sales and lead to disputes or litigation

We purchase licensed merchandise from vendors who represent that they hold manufacturing and distribution rights to such merchandise. We also contract directly with licensors to obtain the manufacturing and distribution rights. We do not independently verify whether these vendors legally hold adequate rights to the licensed properties they are manufacturing, distributing or licensing. If we license merchandise that we have not legally obtained the rights to sell, we could be obligated to remove such merchandise from our stores, incur costs associated with destruction of merchandise and be subject to liability under various civil and criminal causes of action, including actions to recover unpaid royalties and other damages. As we expand our efforts to contract directly with manufacturers and licensors for licensed merchandise, we may incur difficulties securing the necessary manufacturing and distribution rights. Even when we have secured the rights needed to sell such products in the United States, we may not be able to secure the rights to sell the products outside of the United States.

There are litigation and other claims against us from time to time, which could distract management from our business activities and could lead to adverse consequences to our business and financial condition

We are involved from time to time with litigation and other claims against us. Often these cases can raise complex factual and legal issues, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and which could require significant management time. Although we do not currently believe that the outcome of any current litigation and claims against us will have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition, we have, in the past, incurred unexpected expense in connection with litigation matters. In the future, adverse settlements or resolutions may negatively impact earnings or injunctions against us could have an adverse effect on our business by requiring us to do or prohibiting us from doing certain things. We may in the future be the target of material litigation, including class-action and securities litigation, which could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources.

We materially rely on ecommerce, information and other technology systems, including such technology provided by third parties

We believe our dependence on ecommerce, information and other technology systems, including technology provided by third parties will increase in the future, and it is possible we may not be able to obtain, maintain or use such systems as quickly or as effectively as needed. Implementing new systems, modifying existing systems, and restoring such systems and technology following a shut-down could present technological and operational challenges which we are unprepared for. We continue to evaluate the adequacy of the ecommerce, information and other technology systems we use to operate our business. Our failure to adapt to changing technological needs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We have agreements with third-party providers to maintain our ecommerce and information technology systems, including content. We would be negatively impacted if such third parties fail to provide such services, including by way of the malfunction of third-party sites, hardware, software and other equipment; service outages of third-party sites; third-party claims of data privacy, security breaches and intellectual property infringement; and poor integration of our technology into their software and services.

Uncertainty in the global capital and credit markets may materially impair the liquidity of a portion of our cash and investment portfolio

We hold cash, cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments, including auction rate securities (discussed in more detail in “NOTE 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” contained in the financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K). Auctions representing the auction rate securities we hold have continued to fail and will limit our ability to liquidate these investments for some period of time. Although the money market funds and municipal bonds we hold are highly rated and are comprised of high-quality, liquid instruments, if the financial markets trading the underlying assets experience a disruption, we may need to temporarily rely on other forms of liquidity. In addition, a risk exists that our cash and investments may not always be optimally managed and this may affect our profitability and results of operations.

Limitations on the number of shares available for grant could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain employees

We have historically used stock options as a component of our total employee compensation program in order to align employees’ interests with the interests of our shareholders, encourage employee retention and provide competitive compensation and benefit packages. In recent years, we have experienced limitations on the number of shares available for grant under our equity compensation plans. Difficulties relating to obtaining shareholder approval of an increase in the shares available for grant under our equity compensation plans could make it more challenging or impossible for us to grant stock-based payments to employees in the future.

Our charter documents and other circumstances could prevent a takeover or cause dilution of our existing shareholders, which could be detrimental to existing shareholders

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a takeover of Hot Topic, Inc. For instance, our Articles of Incorporation include certain “fair price provisions” generally prohibiting business combinations with controlling or significant shareholders unless certain minimum price or procedural requirements are satisfied, and our Bylaws prohibit shareholder action by written consent. Additionally, our Board of Directors, or Board, has the authority to issue, without shareholder approval, up to 10,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock having such rights, preferences and privileges as designated by the Board. The issuance of these shares could have a dilutive effect on shareholders and potentially prohibit a takeover of Hot Topic, Inc. by requiring the preferred shareholders to approve such a transaction. We also have a significant number of authorized and unissued shares of our common stock available under our Articles of Incorporation. These shares provide us with the flexibility to issue our common stock for future business and financial purposes including stock splits, raising capital and providing equity incentives to employees, officers and directors. The issuance of these shares could result in dilution to our shareholders.

We are dependent upon malls remaining popular as shopping destinations, the ability of shopping mall anchor tenants and other attractions to generate customer traffic and maintaining good relationships with shopping mall operators

The global economic downturn and other factors have diminished the ability of shopping mall operators to operate profitably and, in some cases, forced them to declare bankruptcy or cease operations entirely. The ongoing slowdown in the United States economy, uncertain economic outlook, and other factors could continue to curtail shopping mall development, decrease shopping mall traffic, reduce the number of hours shopping mall operators keep their shopping malls open, cause shopping mall operators to lower their operational standards and negatively impact our lease contracts. Consolidation of ownership of shopping malls may give landlords more leverage in negotiations and adversely affect our ability to negotiate favorable lease terms. Such consolidation may result in increased lease related costs to the company. We believe we have generally favorable relationships with shopping mall operators and developers, however if this changed it could inhibit our ability to negotiate with them and may make it more difficult for us to manage our leases, including for us to expand, remodel or relocate to certain sites. If our relations with shopping mall operators or developers become strained, or we otherwise encounter difficulties in leasing store sites, we may not be able to open stores in malls we would otherwise be interested in maintaining stores; we may not be able to negotiate lease terms favorable to the company; and we may be inhibited in our ability to close underperforming stores.

We face intense competition

The apparel, music and accessory categories within the retail industry in which we operate are highly competitive. Increased competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our competitors, particularly big-box retailers, may have the ability to sell merchandise at substantially lower prices than we are able to sell such merchandise. This may cause us to incur greater than anticipated price reductions and unanticipated increases in our inventories for such products. It may also cause us to elect not to sell such products, despite the fact the products would otherwise attract customers and sell well in our stores.

We are responsible for maintaining the privacy of personally identifiable information of our customers

We are highly dependent on the use of credit cards to complete sale transactions in our stores and through our websites. If we fail to comply with Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, we may become subject to fines or limitations on our ability to accept credit cards. Through our sale transactions, loyalty programs and other methods, we obtain information about our customers which is subject to federal and state privacy laws. These laws are constantly changing. If we fail to comply with these laws, we may be subject to fines or penalties.

Timing, seasonal issues and other fluctuations outside of our control could negatively impact our financial performance for given periods

Our business, particularly our Hot Topic division, is subject to seasonal influences that affect our comparable store sales. There are heavier concentrations of sales during the back-to-school, Halloween and holiday (defined as the week of Thanksgiving through the first few days of January) seasons and other periods when schools are not in session. Our results of operations may fluctuate materially depending on, among other things, the timing of store openings and related pre-opening and other startup expenses; net sales contributed by new stores; increases or decreases in comparable store sales; timing, popularity and our ability to obtain, certain pop culture-related licenses, including on an exclusive basis; releases of new music, film and television; releases of new music/pop culture-related products; our ability to efficiently source and distribute products; changes in our merchandise mix and the challenges involved in getting the right mix into stores at the right time; shifts in timing of certain holidays; changes in our merchandise mix; weather conditions; and overall economic conditions.

Our profitability could be adversely affected by volatile commodity prices, including petroleum and cotton

The profitability of our business depends to a certain degree upon the price of certain commodities, including petroleum and cotton products. We are affected by changes in such prices to the extent that such commodities are part of the costs of delivery of merchandise to our stores and to the extent that the commodities are used in the production of our merchandise.

Significant fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar or foreign exchange rates may affect our profitability

Substantially all of our foreign purchases of merchandise have been negotiated and paid for in U.S. dollars. As a result, our sourcing operations may be adversely affected by significant fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, restrictions on the transfer of funds and other trade disruptions. A portion of our revenues come from foreign markets. Changes in foreign exchange rates applicable to these markets may adversely affect our revenues, even if the volume of sales remains the same. We may not be able to repatriate revenues earned in foreign markets.

Recording impairment charges for certain underperforming stores may negatively impact our future financial condition or results of operations, and closing stores might not have a positive impact on our operating results

We are required to assess, and where appropriate, record a charge for, the impairment of underperforming assets. This may negatively impact our reported and future financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we continue to close stores that do not meet our expectations of profitability which may cause us to impair or accelerate the depreciation of certain store assets and incur additional amounts for lease termination, severance and other closing costs. There can be no assurance that we will not incur future impairment charges and store closure expenses for underperforming assets or that store closures will have a significant positive impact on our operating results.

Changes in laws, including employment laws and laws related to our merchandise, could make conducting our business more expensive or change the way we do business

Changes in laws and any future changes could make our operations more expensive or require us to change the way we do business. Changes in federal and state minimum wage laws could require us to change our entire wage structure for stores. Other laws related to treatment of employees, including laws related to employee benefits and privacy, could also negatively impact us, such as by increasing medical insurance costs and related expenses. Changes in product safety or other consumer protection laws could lead to increased costs to us for certain merchandise, additional labor costs associated with readying merchandise for sale or serve as the basis for litigation.

A disruption of imports may increase our costs and reduce our supply of merchandise

We receive apparel and other merchandise from foreign sources, both purchased directly in foreign markets and indirectly through domestic vendors with foreign sources. As a result of our reliance on international vendors and manufacturers, we are subject to the risks generally associated with global trade and doing business abroad, which include foreign laws and regulations, political unrest, disruptions or delays in cross-border shipments and changes in economic conditions in countries in which our merchandise is manufactured. In addition, disease outbreaks, terrorist acts and military conflict could increase the risks of doing business with suppliers who rely on foreign markets. Trade restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas, or both, that are applicable to the merchandise we sell also could affect the importation of the merchandise and increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to us. Further, changes in tariffs or quotas for merchandise imported from individual foreign countries could lead us to shift our sources of supply among various countries. Any shift we might undertake in the future could result in a disruption of our sources of supply and lead to a reduction in our revenues and earnings. Supply chain security initiatives undertaken by the United States or foreign governments that impede the normal flow of product could also negatively impact our business.

We incur costs associated with regulatory compliance, and this cost could be significant

There are numerous regulatory requirements for public companies that we comply with or may be required to comply with in the future associated with our business operations and compliance with these rules could result in the diversion of management’s time and attention, which could be disruptive to normal business operations. These regulations may include more stringent accounting standards, taxation requirements (including changes in applicable income tax rate, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations), trade restrictions, regulations regarding financial matters, privacy and data security, environmental regulations, advertising, safety and product liability. We may in the future be required to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards, and doing so could be time-consuming and cause us to incur significant expense. If we do not satisfactorily or timely comply with these requirements, possible consequences could include sanction or investigation by regulatory authorities such as the SEC or the Nasdaq Stock Market; fines and penalties; incomplete or late filing of our periodic reports, including our annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or civil or criminal liability.

Government or consumer concerns about product safety could result in regulatory actions, recalls or changes to laws, which could harm our reputation, increase costs or reduce sales

We are subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar state and international regulatory authorities, and our products could be subject to involuntary recalls and other actions by these authorities. We purchase merchandise from suppliers domestically as well as outside the United States. One or more of our suppliers might not adhere to product safety requirements or our quality control standards, and we might not identify the deficiency before such merchandise is received by our customers. Issues of product safety could result in a recall of products we sell. Additionally, regulatory authorities, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, have undertaken reviews of product safety and are in the process of enacting or are considering various proposals for more stringent laws and regulations. In particular, the U.S. Congress has enacted the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which imposes significant new requirements on the sale of consumer products and enhanced penalties for noncompliance. Such regulations contain provisions which have uncertain applicability to products we sell, and such lack of certainty may inhibit our willingness carry products or cause us to carry product we otherwise would not. These regulations could result in delays in getting products to our stores, lost sales, the rejection of our products by consumers, damage to our reputation or material increases in our costs, and may have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, individuals and organizations may assert legal claims for our non-compliance with consumer product rules and regulations, and we may be subject to lawsuits relating to these claims. There is a risk that these claims or liabilities may exceed or fall outside of the scope of indemnities provided by third parties or outside the coverages of our insurance policies.

Economic conditions could decrease consumer spending and reduce our sales

Certain economic conditions could affect the level of consumer spending on merchandise we offer, including, among others, employment levels; salary and wage levels, particularly of teens and college-age adults; interest rates; availability of consumer credit; taxation; and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. For example, the global economic downturn has significantly reduced consumer spending levels and mall customer traffic in general. The ongoing slowdown in the United States economy and uncertain economic outlook could continue to cause lower consumer spending levels and mall customer traffic which could adversely affect our sales results and financial performance. In addition, we are highly dependent on a significant level of teenage and college-age spending on music/pop culture-licensed and music/pop culture-influenced products, and we likely would be adversely affected if economic conditions limited such spending.

War, terrorism and other catastrophes could negatively impact our customers, places where we do business and our expenses

The continued threat of terrorism, heightened security and military action in response to this threat, any future acts of terrorism, and significant natural disasters or other catastrophic events may cause disruption and create uncertainties that affect our business. To the extent that such disruptions or uncertainties negatively impact shopping patterns and/or shopping mall traffic, or adversely affect consumer confidence or the economy in general, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. A significant natural disaster or other catastrophic event affecting our facilities could materially affect our supply chain, our information systems and other aspects of our operations.

Our stock price could fluctuate substantially for reasons outside of our control

Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market, which has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect our stock price without regard to our financial performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and comparable store sales; announcements by other apparel, accessory, music and gift item retailers; the trading volume of our stock; changes in estimates of our performance by securities analysts; litigation; overall economic and political conditions, including the global economic downturn; the condition of the financial markets, including the credit crisis; and other events or factors outside of our control could cause our stock price to fluctuate substantially.

Environmental risks associated with the retail industry may result in significant costs and decreased sales

We are exposed to risks arising out of environmental matters and existing and potential laws relating to the protection of the environment. Adverse and unexpected weather conditions, including such conditions caused by the global climate change phenomena, could affect our supply chain, mall traffic and customer interest in our products. We receive apparel and other merchandise from foreign sources, both purchased directly in foreign markets and indirectly through domestic vendors with foreign sources. Stricter global and domestic greenhouse gas emission requirements may cause our vendors to incur higher costs, including increased transportation costs. There is a risk that we may occupy retail space that may require remediation to comply with environmental laws. In addition to potential liability for remediation costs, the cleanup process may cause our stores to be closed for an extended period of time, resulting in loss of sales.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

We lease all of our existing store locations, with lease terms expiring between 2011 and 2021. As of the end of fiscal 2010, we had a total of approximately 1,160,000 leased store square feet for Hot Topic and approximately 382,000 leased store square feet for Torrid. The leases for most of the existing stores are for approximately ten-year terms and provide for minimum rent payments as well as contingent rent based upon a percent of sales in excess of the specified minimums.

We lease our headquarters and distribution center facility, located in City of Industry, California, which is approximately 250,000 square feet. Our lease expires in April 2014, with an option to renew for two more five-year terms, and the annual base rent is approximately $1.1 million. We own our distribution center in LaVergne, Tennessee, which is approximately 300,000 square feet.

The following chart shows, as of the end of fiscal 2010, the number of Hot Topic and Torrid stores operated within each state in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, as well as the aggregate number of Hot Topic and Torrid stores we operated as of the end of fiscal 2009:

Hot Topic, Inc. Stores

	Hot Topic Stores		Torrid Stores		Total Company

Alabama		7		-		7
Alaska		3		2		5
Arizona		17		7		24
Arkansas		6		-		6
California		79		48		127
Colorado		13		2		15
Connecticut		9		3		12
Delaware		2		-		2
Florida		40		5		45
Georgia		13		3		16
Hawaii		5		-		5
Idaho		4		1		5
Illinois		20		9		29
Indiana		15		1		16
Iowa		8		1		9
Kansas		6		-		6
Kentucky		9		1		10
Louisiana		8		2		10
Maine		2		-		2
Maryland		14		4		18
Massachusetts		18		2		20
Michigan		20		2		22
Minnesota		10		1		11
Mississippi		4		-		4
Missouri		13		3		16
Montana		4		-		4
Nebraska		4		1		5
Nevada		7		2		9
New Hampshire		5		1		6
New Jersey		17		4		21
New Mexico		7		1		8
New York		27		5		32
North Carolina		15		2		17
North Dakota		4		-		4
Ohio		27		5		32
Oklahoma		8		-		8
Oregon		7		3		10
Pennsylvania		33		1		34
Rhode Island		1		-		1
South Carolina		7		-		7
South Dakota		2		1		3
Tennessee		11		1		12
Texas		56		14		70
Utah		7		2		9
Vermont		1		-		1
Virginia		19		3		22
Washington		18		7		25
West Virginia		5		-		5
Wisconsin		11		2		13
Wyoming		1		-		1
Canada		3		-		3
Puerto Rico		5		1		6
FY 2010 Total		657		153		810
FY 2009 Total		680		156		836

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Our legal proceedings are discussed in more detail in “NOTE 9 – Commitments and Contingencies” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. RESERVED

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “HOTT.” The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of our shares of common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Such quotations represent inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

2010 Fiscal Year Quarters	High		Low

First Quarter	$	9.96	$	5.26
Second Quarter	$	7.99	$	4.67
Third Quarter	$	6.26	$	4.58
Fourth Quarter	$	6.75	$	5.31

2009 Fiscal Year Quarters	High		Low

First Quarter	$	13.87	$	8.13
Second Quarter	$	12.50	$	6.66
Third Quarter	$	8.95	$	6.53
Fourth Quarter	$	7.80	$	5.25

On April 4, 2011, the last sales price of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market was $5.52 per share. As of April 4, 2011, there were approximately 179 holders of record of our common stock. This number does not reflect the actual number of beneficial holders of our common stock, which we believe is significantly higher.

We began to pay cash dividends during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Cash dividends are discussed in more detail in “NOTE 4 – Cash Dividends” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Please see “Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for information about our equity compensation plans.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT COMPARISON

The material in this section is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Hot Topic under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

The following graph shows a comparison of five-year cumulative total returns to shareholders for Hot Topic, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Retail Trade Index for the period that commenced January 28, 2006 and ended on January 29, 2011. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 and that all dividends have been reinvested.

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table summarizes selected financial data for each of the five most recent fiscal years. This data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

	Fiscal Year
	2010			2009			2008			2007			2006
	(In thousands, except per share data, number of stores, comparable store sales and sales per square foot)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales	$	708,244		$	736,710		$	761,074		$	728,121		$	751,558
Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution and occupancy costs		474,917			480,453			487,769			476,677			502,408

Gross margin		233,327			256,257			273,305			251,444			249,150
Selling, general and administrative expenses		247,089			237,010			242,483			227,147			227,580

(Loss) income from operations		(13,762	)		19,247			30,822			24,297			21,570
Other income and interest, net		336			519			1,670			1,934			1,450

(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes		(13,426	)		19,766			32,492			26,231			23,020
(Benefit) provision for income taxes		(5,191	)		7,886			12,750			10,219			9,394

Net (loss) income	$	(8,235	)	$	11,880		$	19,742		$	16,012		$	13,626

(Loss) earnings per share:
Basic	$	(0.18	)	$	0.27		$	0.45		$	0.36		$	0.31
Diluted	$	(0.18	)	$	0.27		$	0.45		$	0.36		$	0.30
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		44,554			44,134			43,789			44,005			44,167
Diluted		44,554			44,409			43,913			44,132			44,752

Selected Operating Data:
Number of stores at year end		810			836			840			841			825
Comparable stores sales (decrease) increase		(5.3	)%		(5.1	)%		1.0	%		(4.4	)%		(6.6	)%
Average store sales per square foot	$	401		$	422		$	444		$	441		$	477
Average store sales per store	$	762		$	801		$	841		$	827		$	887

Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and short- and long-term investments	$	79,539		$	131,257		$	105,912		$	53,281		$	55,490
Working capital		113,932			158,531			125,582			97,796			91,267
Total assets		310,607			376,394			370,571			332,101			318,271
Shareholders’ equity	$	217,497		$	277,047		$	258,426		$	235,153		$	221,457

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and other matters should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and Notes included in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. These statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and require our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Our ability to achieve business objectives in fiscal 2011 and beyond will be dependent on many factors, known and unknown, including those outlined in the sections entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Disclosure” before Part I and “Item 1A – Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

OVERVIEW

Business We are a mall and web-based specialty retailer of apparel, accessories, music and gift items for young men and women whose lifestyles reflect a passion for music, fashion and pop culture. We operate under two primary concepts: Hot Topic and Torrid. Our business is discussed in more detail in “Item 1 – Business” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Cost Reduction Plan We are in the process of implementing a cost reduction plan that, beginning in fiscal 2011, is expected to result in an estimated annual income improvement of approximately $13 million, pre-tax. The cost reduction plan, which is designed to meet the challenges of the current environment, involves closing approximately 50 underperforming stores, a majority of which are expected to close by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011. These closures will occur as a result of natural lease expirations, exercising lease kick out clauses and other negotiations. The cost reduction plan also includes reducing our home office and field management positions, reducing planned capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 to approximately $25 million from $31 million in fiscal 2010 and implementing other non-payroll overhead expense reduction initiatives. As of the end of fiscal 2010, we had reduced our home office and field management positions, closed 20 Hot Topic stores and two Torrid stores and begun implementing certain non-payroll overhead expense reduction initiatives as part of the cost reduction plan.

In connection with the cost reduction plan, we estimate that we will incur a total pre-tax charge of approximately $10.3 million. Approximately $6.2 million of the $10.3 million pre-tax charge will be non-cash. Of the $10.3 million total charge, we expect that approximately $8.5 million will be incurred for the write down of store assets and inventory, early lease terminations and store severance, partially offset by certain credits and allowances of $1.9 million; $1.9 million for non-store related severance and outplacement; and the remaining $1.8 million will be used to implement non-payroll overhead expense reduction initiatives.

The following table details information related to the cost reduction plan charges recorded during fiscal 2010 (in thousands). We did not incur any cost reduction plan charges in fiscal 2009 or 2008.

				Non-store Related
				Severance and			Other Cost
	Store Related			Outplacement			Reduction
	Closure Costs *			Costs			Plan Charges **			Total

Cost Reduction Plan liability	$	(7,077	)	$	(1,850	)	$	(830	)	$	(9,757	)
Cash payments		93			985			-			1,078
Non-cash adjustments		6,497			-			830			7,327

Balance at January 29, 2011	$	(487	)	$	(865	)	$	-		$	(1,352	)

* Store related closure costs represent charges related to the closure of approximately 50 underperforming stores. Such charges include the write down and accelerated depreciation of store assets, the write down of inventory, early lease terminations and store severance, partially offset by certain credits and allowances.

** Other cost reduction plan charges represent non-payroll overhead expense reduction initiatives.

We recorded charges related to the write down of store assets; store severance; non-store related severance and outplacement; and the implementation of non-payroll overhead expense reduction initiatives in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Charges related to the write down of store inventory; accelerated depreciation of store assets; and early lease terminations were recorded in cost of goods sold in our consolidated statements of operations.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 Non-Cash Impairment Charge and Fiscal 2011 Discontinued Operations During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we concluded that ShockHound’s assets had become impaired due to its slower than expected revenue growth. Revenues from partnerships entered into in the earlier part of fiscal 2010, as well as other revenues, did not build as much as we had anticipated. In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded an impairment charge of $3 million to selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The assessment of our long-lived assets for impairment is discussed in more detail in “NOTE 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” contained in the financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we announced that ShockHound’s operations will be discontinued. See “Fiscal 2011 Business Changes” below for more information concerning the discontinuation of ShockHound’s operations.

Fiscal 2011 Business Changes In March 2011, the Board approved certain business changes to better position us for growth. The business changes will involve discontinuing the operations of ShockHound; writing down unproductive inventory; and writing down fixed assets that are no longer critical to our strategic direction. In connection with the business changes, along with the severance costs related to recent changes in management, we estimate that we will incur a total pre-tax charge of approximately $15 million primarily in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, a portion of which will be a non-cash charge of approximately $9 million. Of the $15 million charge, we expect that approximately $6 million will be incurred for the write down of inventory that, due to an accounting estimate change, we believe is now unproductive; $3 million for severance and discontinuing ShockHound’s operations; $3 million for consulting fees for the review of our business and operations, including implementation of initiatives resulting from the review; and $3 million for the write down of certain fixed assets. The $15 million charge includes $0.6 million of additional charges that we expect to incur in fiscal 2011 related to the cost reduction plan implemented in fiscal 2010.

Comparable Store Sales and Store Count We consider a store comparable after it has been open for 15 full months. If a store is closed during a period, it is included in the computation of comparable store sales for that fiscal month, quarter and year-to-date period, only for the days in which the store was operating as compared to the full month in the comparable period. At the end of fiscal 2010, 631 of the 657 Hot Topic stores were included in the comparable store base, compared to 656 of the 680 stores open at the end of fiscal 2009. At the end of fiscal 2010, 150 of the 153 Torrid stores were included in the comparable store base, compared to 152 of the 156 stores open at the end of fiscal 2009. The following table shows our comparable store sales results by division for fiscal 2010 and other recent periods:

Fiscal Year	2010			2009			2008			2007			2006
Hot Topic		(6.5	)%		(5.6	)%		1.8	%		(5.7	)%		(8.0	)%
Torrid		(0.7	)%		(2.9	)%		(2.4	)%		2.5	%		4.1	%
Total Company		(5.3	)%		(5.1	)%		1.0	%		(4.4	)%		(6.6	)%

In fiscal 2010, the comparable store sales decline in the Hot Topic division resulted from a decrease in fashion apparel, fashion accessories and license categories, partially offset by an increase in the music category. The comparable store sales decline at our Torrid division was due to declines in apparel, primarily skirts and dresses.

Our historical and planned store count is discussed in more detail in “Item 1 – Business” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Cash Dividends We began to pay cash dividends during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Cash dividends are discussed in more detail in “NOTE 4 – Cash Dividends” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Segment Information We currently have one reportable segment given the similarities of the economic characteristics among the Hot Topic and Torrid concepts, and the relatively insubstantial business operations of our ShockHound concept.

Seasonality Our business, particularly at Hot Topic, is subject to seasonal influences. Refer to “Item 1 – Business” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for further discussion about the seasonality of our business.

Key Performance Indicators There are several key indicators that we use to help us evaluate the financial condition and operating performance of our business, including:

Store Sales Productivity is used to assess the operational performance of each of our stores. Store productivity metrics include year over year store sales comparisons (or comparable store sales results), net store sales per average square foot, number of transactions per store, dollars per transaction, number of units sold per store and number of units per transaction.

Merchandise Margin is used to allocate a variety of resources to each of our concepts, determine initial mark-ups, mark-downs, inventory reserves, freight costs, etc. for each of the concepts and to measure the general performance of each of our stores. We consider merchandise margin to be the difference between net sales and certain costs associated with our merchandise, such as product costs, markdowns, freight, vendor allowances and inventory reserves.

Gross Margin is considered to be the difference between merchandise margin and buying, distribution and store occupancy costs.

Income from Operations is primarily driven by net sales, gross margin, our ability to control selling, general and administrative expenses, and our level of capital expenditures that affect depreciation expense.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, certain selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with this table:

	Fiscal Year
	2010			2009			2008

Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution & occupancy costs		67.1	%		65.2	%		64.1	%

Gross margin		32.9	%		34.8	%		35.9	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		34.9	%		32.2	%		31.9	%

(Loss) income from operations		(2.0	)%		2.6	%		4.0	%
Other income and interest, net		0.1	%		0.1	%		0.3	%

(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes		(1.9	)%		2.7	%		4.3	%
(Benefit) provision for income taxes		(0.7	)%		1.1	%		1.7	%

Net (loss) income		(1.2	)%		1.6	%		2.6	%

Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009

Net sales decreased approximately $28.5 million, or 3.9%, to $708.2 million in fiscal 2010 from $736.7 million in fiscal 2009. The components of this $28.5 million decrease in net sales are as follows:

Amount
(in millions)			Description
$	(36.8	)	Decrease in comparable net sales from Hot Topic stores in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009.
	(4.3	)	Decrease in net sales due to the closure of 29 Hot Topic stores and six Torrid stores during fiscal 2010.
	(0.8	)	Decrease in comparable net sales from Torrid stores in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009.
	1.5		Increase in net sales from three new Torrid stores opened in fiscal 2010.
	2.6		Increase in net sales from Hot Topic stores not yet qualifying as comparable stores (includes six new stores opened in fiscal 2010).
	9.3		Increase in internet sales.
$	(28.5	)	Total

Gross margin decreased approximately $23.0 million, or 9.0%, to $233.3 million in fiscal 2010 from $256.3 million in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin decreased to 32.9% in fiscal 2010 from 34.8% in fiscal 2009. The components of this 1.9 percentage point decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales are as follows:

%			Description
	(1.0	)	Decrease in merchandise margin as a result of higher markdowns, partially offset by higher realized markup as a percentage of sales.
	(0.3	)	Increase in store depreciation expense due to accelerated depreciation for stores closing as part of our cost reduction plan.
	(0.3	)	Store occupancy percentage increase due to deleveraging on lower store sales.
	(0.2	)	Distribution percentage increase mainly due to deleveraging on lower store sales and higher depreciation and freight expenses.
	(0.1	)	Buying payroll percentage increase primarily due to deleveraging on lower store sales.
	(1.9	)%	Total

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $10.1 million, or 4.3%, to $247.1 million in fiscal 2010 from $237.0 million in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 34.9% in fiscal 2010 compared to 32.2% in fiscal 2009. The components of this 2.7 percentage point increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales are as follows:

%			Description
	0.7		Increase in store payroll expense primarily due to deleveraging on lower store sales and higher payroll and related costs.
	0.6		Costs associated with the write-down of store assets, early lease terminations, and severance payments incurred as part of our cost reduction plan.
	0.5		Increase in asset impairment expenses mainly due to the non-cash asset impairment charge taken for Shockhound.
	0.3		Increase in general and administrative payroll and related costs and deleveraging on lower store sales, partially offset by a decrease in performance based bonuses.
	0.3		Increase in marketing expenses primarily due to increased spending on internet and loyalty marketing, partially offset by decreased spending on marketing events.
	0.2		Increase in depreciation of computer hardware and software.
	0.1		Other store expense percentage increase primarily due to deleveraging on lower store sales and higher telecommunication costs, partially offset by lower repair and maintenance costs and inventory service costs.
	2.7	%	Total

Loss from operations was $13.8 million in fiscal 2010 compared to income of $19.2 million in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, loss from operations was 2.0% in fiscal 2010 compared to income of 2.6% in fiscal 2009. Operating loss on an average store basis was approximately $17,000 in fiscal 2010 compared to operating income of $23,000 in fiscal 2009. Net loss included net losses from our ShockHound concept of $4.1 million, or $0.09 per share, in fiscal 2010 compared to $3.1 million, or $0.07 per share, in fiscal 2009.

As a percentage of net sales, other interest and income, net, remained the same at 0.1% in fiscal 2010 and 2009.

Our effective tax rate was 38.7% and 39.9% in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to lower effective state income tax rates and a decrease in the liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits.

Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Net sales decreased approximately $24.4 million, or 3.2%, to $736.7 million in fiscal 2009 from $761.1 million in fiscal 2008. The components of this $24.4 million decrease in net sales are as follows:

Amount
(millions)			Description
$	(30.5	)	Decrease in comparable net sales from Hot Topic stores in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.
	(6.1	)	Decrease in net sales due to the closure of 3 Hot Topic stores and 4 Torrid stores during fiscal 2009.
	(3.6	)	Decrease in comparable net sales from Torrid stores in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.
	1.1		Increase in net sales from 2 new Hot Topic stores opened in fiscal 2009 and from 6 Hot Topic stores not yet qualifying as comparable stores.
	3.2		Increase in net sales from 1 new Torrid stores opened in fiscal 2009 and from 3 Torrid stores not yet qualifying as comparable stores.
	11.5		Increase in Internet sales.
$	(24.4	)	Total

In both fiscal 2009 and 2008, Hot Topic and Torrid each had annual average store volumes, excluding Internet sales, of $0.8 million. Hot Topic sales of apparel category merchandise, as a percentage of total net sales, was 53% in fiscal 2009 compared to 55% in fiscal 2008. Torrid sales of apparel category merchandise, as a percentage of total net sales, was 76% in fiscal 2009 compared to 78% in fiscal 2008.

Gross margin decreased approximately $17.0 million to $256.3 million in fiscal 2009 from $273.3 million in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin decreased to 34.8% in fiscal 2009 from 35.9% in fiscal 2008. The components of this 1.1 percentage point decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales are as follows:

%			Description
	(0.9	)	Decrease in merchandise margin as a result of higher markdowns, partially offset by higher realized markup.
	(0.2	)	Increase in store depreciation related to higher expenses for computer hardware and software and due to deleveraging on lower store sales.
	(0.1	)	Increase in buying payroll, primarily due to deleveraging on lower store sales.
	0.1		Decrease in distribution expenses, primarily due to lower freight and distribution center depreciation, partially offset by deleveraging on lower store sales.
	(1.1	)%	Total

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $5.5 million to $237.0 million in fiscal 2009 from $242.5 million in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 32.2% in fiscal 2009 compared to 31.9% in fiscal 2008. The components of this 0.3 percentage point increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales are as follows:

%			Description
	0.5		Deleveraging on store payroll due to lower store sales and higher store payroll and related costs, partially offset by lower store performance based bonuses.
	0.2		Increase in other store expenses, primarily due to an increase in store repair and maintenance expenses and higher processing fees for sales transactions, partially offset by lower telecommunications costs.
	(0.1	)	Decrease in preopening costs as a result of fewer new stores and expenses related to launching our online music site in 2008.
	(0.1	)	Decrease in marketing expenses, primarily due to reduced spending on marketing sponsorships.
	(0.2	)	Decrease in general and administrative payroll, due to performance based bonuses, partially offset by higher payroll and related costs.
	0.3	%	Total

Income from operations decreased to $19.2 million in fiscal 2009 from $30.8 million in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of net sales, income from operations was 2.6% in fiscal 2009 compared to 4.0% in fiscal 2008. Operating income on an average store basis was approximately $23,000 in fiscal 2009 compared to $37,000 in fiscal 2008. Net income included net losses from our ShockHound concept of $3.1 million ($0.07 per share) in fiscal 2009 compared to $2.3 million ($0.05 per share) in fiscal 2008.

As a result of lower interest rate yields, interest income, net of interest expense, and other income as a percentage of sales was 0.1% in fiscal 2009 compared to 0.3% in 2008.

Our effective tax rate was 39.9% and 39.2% in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in non-taxable income arising from lower interest rate yields, and an increase in the liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by non-taxable income from deferred compensation investment gains and lower effective state income tax rates.

QUARTERLY RESULTS AND SEASONALITY

Our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate materially depending on, among other things, the timing of store closings, store openings and related pre-opening and other startup expenses, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in comparable store sales, releases of new music, film, television and music/pop culture-related products, shifts in timing of certain holidays, changes in our merchandise mix and overall economic conditions.

Our business, particularly our Hot Topic division, is also subject to seasonal influences. Refer to “Item 1 – Business” under the caption “Seasonality” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for further discussion about the seasonality of our business.

The following table shows certain statements of operations and selected operating data for each of our last eight fiscal quarters (13-week periods). The quarterly statements of operations data and selected operating data shown below were derived from our unaudited financial statements, which in the opinion of management contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for fair presentation. Results in any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for a full year.

	Fiscal Year 2010												Fiscal Year 2009

	First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
Statements of Operations Data:	(In thousands, except selected operating and per share data)

Net sales	$	162,647		$	150,007		$	183,219		$	212,371		$	175,125		$	157,793		$	189,568		$	214,224
Gross margin		54,463			46,022			64,550			68,292			60,130			49,658			69,894			76,575
(Loss) income from operations		(2,993	)		(10,359	)		321			(731	)		1,852			(5,426	)		9,634			13,187
Net (loss) income	$	(1,778	)	$	(6,269	)	$	390		$	(578	)	$	1,225		$	(3,177	)	$	5,849		$	7,983

(Loss) earnings per share:
Basic	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.14	)	$	0.01		$	(0.01	)	$	0.03		$	(0.07	)	$	0.13		$	0.18
Diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.14	)	$	0.01		$	(0.01	)	$	0.03		$	(0.07	)	$	0.13		$	0.18

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		44,398			44,563			44,616			44,638			44,000			44,064			44,143			44,331
Diluted		44,398			44,563			44,662			44,638			44,679			44,064			44,497			44,395

Selected Operating Data:
Comparable store sales		(8.7	)%		(6.4	)%		(5.0	)%		(2.1	)%		7.1	%		(7.7	)%		(5.0	)%		(11.5	)%
Stores open at end of period		837			834			835			810			837			835			836			836

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During fiscal 2010, our primary use of cash was to fund cash dividend payments totaling $57.0 million, $44.5 million for the $1.00 per share special one-time cash dividend paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and $12.5 million ($3.1 million paid in each quarter of fiscal 2010) for the $0.07 per share regular quarterly cash dividends initiated in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Our cash dividends are discussed in more detail in “NOTE 4 – Cash Dividends” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we made a total cash outlay of $1.1 million related to the cost reduction plan, which is discussed in more detail in “NOTE 2 – Cost Reduction Plan” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. Other uses of cash during the last three fiscal years have been to purchase merchandise inventories, improve our information technology infrastructure and fund store remodels, relocations and to a lesser extent, new store openings. In the past we have also made periodic repurchases of our common stock (discussed in more detail in “NOTE 12 – Share Repurchase” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. We have typically satisfied our cash requirements principally from cash flows from operations and we also maintain a $5.0 million unsecured credit agreement (discussed in more detail in “NOTE 8 – Bank Credit Agreement” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K).

Cash, cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments, including auction rate securities, held by us were $79.5 million and $131.3 million as of the end of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, and are discussed in more detail in “NOTE 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. We believe our current cash balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations through at least the next 12 months. Auctions representing the auction rate securities we hold have continued to fail and will limit our ability to liquidate these investments for some period of time. However, we do not believe the auction failures will impact our ability to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures or other business requirements.

Working capital was $113.9 million and $158.5 million for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. The $44.6 million decrease in working capital in fiscal 2010 from 2009 is primarily attributable to the cash dividend payments totaling $57.0 million made in fiscal 2010.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $35.0 million and $46.0 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. The $11.0 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009 was primarily attributable to decreases in net income and deferred taxes, along with increases in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by increases in income taxes payable and fixed asset impairment.

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $45.6 million and $20.6 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. The $25.0 million increase in net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009 was attributable to an $18.3 million increase in purchases of short- and long-term investments, net of proceeds and a $6.7 million increase in purchases of property and equipment.

Net cash flows used in financing activities were $56.0 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $2.2 million provided by financing activities in fiscal 2009. The increase in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily attributable to the $57.0 million in cash dividends paid in fiscal 2010.

We anticipate we will spend approximately $25 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2011. Of the $25 million, we plan to spend approximately $17 million for store construction and other improvements to existing stores, including remodeling or relocating them (refer to “Item 1 – Business” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for detail on our store expansion activity). We plan to spend the remaining capital expenditures on various improvements in our information technology infrastructure, including technological improvements at the store level, the purchase of new computer hardware and software and the further development and improvement of our Internet sites.

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of the end of fiscal 2010, and the timing and effect that such commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and capital requirements in future periods:

	Payments due by period (in thousands)
Contractual obligations	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years

Operating leases¹	$	248,611	$	57,767	$	90,586	$	58,641	$	41,617
Purchase obligations		82,198		82,198		-		-		-
Letters of credit and other obligations		8,545		4,473		3,322		750		-
Income tax audit settlements ²		430		430		-		-		-
Total contractual obligations	$	339,784	$	144,868	$	93,908	$	59,391	$	41,617

(1)	See “NOTE 9 – Commitments and Contingencies” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional disclosure related to operating lease obligations.

(2)

The $0.4 million of income tax audit settlements relate to certain open audits we expect to be fully settled in fiscal 2011 and to gross unrecognized tax benefits for which the statutes of limitations are expected to expire in fiscal 2011. Due to the uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with other noncurrent unrecognized tax benefits of $1.6 million, we are unable to make a reliable estimate of the periods of cash settlement with the respective tax authorities and have not included such amount in the contractual obligations table above.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates, including those related primarily to inventories, long-lived assets and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For a further discussion about the application of these and other accounting policies, refer to “NOTE 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market, on a weighted average cost basis, using the retail method. Under the retail method, inventory is stated at its current retail selling value and then is converted to a cost basis by applying an average cost factor that represents the average cost-to-retail ratio based on beginning inventory and the purchase activity for the month. Throughout the year, we review our inventory levels in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and use permanent markdowns to sell through selected merchandise. We record a charge to cost of goods sold for permanent markdowns. Inherent in the retail method are certain significant management judgments and estimates including initial merchandise markup, future sales, markdowns and shrinkage, which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost and the resulting gross margins. To the extent our estimated markdowns at period-end prove to be insufficient, additional future markdowns will need to be recorded. Physical inventories are conducted during the year to determine actual inventory on hand and shrinkage. We accrue our estimated inventory shrinkage for the period between the last physical count and current balance sheet date. Thus, the difference between actual and estimated shrink amounts may cause fluctuations in quarterly results, but not for the full fiscal year results.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For our Hot Topic and Torrid concepts, we group and evaluate long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. For the purposes of evaluating the impairment of ShockHound, our e-space music concept launched in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we consider all assets within ShockHound to be one asset group and the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review of our stores or online operations include a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. When we determine that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the aforementioned factors, impairment is measured based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management. These cash flows are calculated by netting future estimated sales against associated merchandise costs and other related expenses such as payroll, occupancy and marketing. The estimated sales, net of the aforementioned costs and expenses, used for this nonrecurring fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 input as defined in “NOTE 7 – Fair Value Measurements” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. We have recorded impairment charges in fiscal 2010 and prior years. In addition, in the event future store performance is lower than forecasted results, future cash flows may be lower than expected, which could result in future impairment charges. While we believe recently opened stores will provide sufficient cash flow, material changes in results could result in future impairment charges.

Revenue Recognition Revenue is generally recognized at our retail store locations at the point at which the customer receives and pays for the merchandise at the register. For online sales, revenue is recognized upon delivery to the customer. Sales are recognized net of merchandise returns, which are reserved for based on historical experience. Revenue from gift cards and store merchandise credits is recognized at the time of redemption. Shipping and handling revenues from our websites are included as a component of net sales.

We recognize estimated gift card breakage as a component of net sales in proportion to actual gift card redemptions over the period that remaining gift card values are redeemed. Gift card breakage is income recognized due to the non-redemption of a portion of gift cards sold by us for which liability was recorded in prior periods. While customer redemption patterns result in estimated gift card breakage, which approximates 5 to 6%, changes in our customers’ behavior could impact the amount that ultimately is unused and could affect the amount recognized as a component of net sales.

Vendor Allowances We receive certain allowances from our vendors primarily related to damaged merchandise, markdowns and pricing. Allowances received from vendors related to damaged merchandise and pricing are reflected as a reduction of inventory in the period they are received and allocated to cost of sales during the period in which the items are sold. Markdown allowances received from vendors are reflected as reductions to cost of sales in the period they are received as these allowances are received after goods have been sold or marked down.

Stock-Based Payments We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and a single option award approach. This fair value is then amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards. This option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life, price volatility of the underlying stock, risk free interest rate and expected dividend rate. As stock-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience.

Self-Insurance We are self-insured for certain losses related to medical and workers compensation claims although we maintain stop loss coverage with third party insurers to limit our total liability exposure. The estimate of our liability for these claims involves uncertainty since we must use judgment to estimate the ultimate cost that will be incurred to settle reported claims and unreported claims for incidents incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. When estimating our self-insurance liability, we consider a number of factors, which include historical claim experience and valuations provided by independent third party actuaries. As claims develop, the actual ultimate losses may differ from actuarial estimates. Therefore, an analysis is performed quarterly to determine if modifications to the accrual are required.

Rent Expense Rent expense under our operating leases typically provides for fixed non-contingent rent escalations. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease, commencing when we take possession of the property. Construction allowances are recorded as a deferred rent liability, which we amortize as a reduction of rent expense over the non-cancelable term of each lease.

Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire asset will not be realized.

We prescribe a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We include interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

INFLATION

We do not believe that inflation has had a material adverse effect on our net sales or results of operations in the past. However, we cannot assure that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are not a party to any derivative financial instruments. Our exposure to market risk primarily relates to changes in interest rates on our investments with maturities of less than three months (which are considered to be cash and cash equivalents) and short- and long-term investments with maturities in excess of three months. A 100 basis point change in interest rates over a three month period would not have a material impact on the fair value of our investment portfolio as of the end of fiscal 2010. Cash, cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments, including auction rate securities, are discussed in more detail in “NOTE 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” contained in the consolidated financial statements and Notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Our consolidated financial statements and notes listed in Part IV, Item 15(a)(1) are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) are effective as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of fiscal 2010. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by COSO in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management concluded that, as of the end of fiscal 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria set forth by COSO in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting in our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Hot Topic, Inc.

We have audited Hot Topic, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Hot Topic, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Hot Topic, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hot Topic, Inc. as of January 29, 2011 and January, 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive (loss) income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 29, 2011, and our report dated April 6, 2011 expressed unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Los Angeles, California

April 6, 2011

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

See the section entitled “Executive Officers” in Part I, Item 1 hereof for information regarding our executive officers.

The information required by this item with respect to directors is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption “Election of Directors,” contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of January 29, 2011 pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 7, 2011, or the Proxy Statement.

Certain other information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement.

We have adopted Standards of Business Ethics that apply to all of our officers, directors and employees. The Standards of Business Ethics is available on our investor relations website at investorrelations.hottopic.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the Standards of Business Ethics or grant any waiver from a provision of the Standards of Business Ethics to any executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website, as well as via any other means then required by Nasdaq listing standards or applicable law.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Certain Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption “Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors” in the Proxy Statement.

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements required by this item are submitted in a separate section beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-1
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, and January 31, 2009	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, and January 31, 2009	F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-6

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission other than the one listed above are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable, and therefore, have been omitted.

For Fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008

	Balance at		Charged to
	Beginning of		Costs and			Deductions/		Balance at
	Year		Expenses			Write-offs		End of Year

Fiscal 2010
Allowance for sales returns	$	363	$	(76	)	$	-	$	287

Fiscal 2009

Allowance for sales returns	$	393	$	(30	)	$	-	$	363

Fiscal 2008

Allowance for sales returns	$	399	$	(6	)	$	-	$	393

(a)(3) Index to Exhibits—See Item 15(b) below.

(b) Exhibits

The exhibits listed under Item 15(b) hereof are filed with, and incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(b) are so identified therein.

Exhibit Number		Description of Document
3.1		Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. (Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (333-5054-LA) and incorporated herein by reference.)

3.2		Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)

3.3		Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)

4.1		Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

4.2		Specimen stock certificate. (Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (333-5054-LA) and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.1a		Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into between Registrant and its directors and officers. (Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (333-5054-LA) and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.2a		2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.3a		Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement of Registrant pursuant to the 2006 Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 99.3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.4a		Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement of Registrant pursuant to the 2006 Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.5a		1996 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.6a		Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.7a		Hot Topic 401(k) Plan of Registrant, effective as of August 1, 1995, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.8a		Form of Restricted Stock Bonus Agreement between the Registrant and each of its non-employee directors. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 5, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.9a		Form of Restricted Stock Bonus Agreement between Registrant and each of its non-employee directors, under the 2006 Plan.

10.10a		Hot Topic, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.11a		Board Compensation Summary. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.12a		Performance Share Award Agreement and Program, under the 2006 Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.28a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.13a		Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated November 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Gerald Cook. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1a to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.14a		Amendment dated March 21, 2011 to Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated November 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Gerald Cook.

10.15a		Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated November 24, 2008 between the Registrant and James McGinty. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2a to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.16a		Amendment dated March 21, 2011 to Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated November 24, 2008 between the Registrant and James McGinty.

10.17a		Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated November 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Christopher Daniel. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3a to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.18a		Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2008 between the Registrant and John Kirkpatrick. (Filed as Exhibit 10.16a to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.19a		Employment Letter Agreement dated September 9, 2009 between the Registrant and Amy Kocourek. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1a to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.20a		Mutual Separation Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2011, by and between Registrant and Christopher Daniel. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.21a		Employment Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2011, by and between Registrant and Lisa Harper.

10.22a		Mutual Separation Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2011, by and between Registrant and Elizabeth McLaughlin.

10.23a		Form of Performance Share Award Cancellation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.24		Industrial Real Estate Lease (Multi-Tenant Facility), dated December 10, 1998, entered into between Registrant’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hot Topic Administration, Inc. and Majestic Realty Co. and Patrician Associates, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.25		Guaranty of Lease, dated December 10, 1998, entered into between the Registrant and Majestic Realty Co. and Patrician Associates, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.26		First Amendment to Industrial Real Estate Lease, dated March 19, 2001, by and between Majestic—Fullerton Road, LLC, PFG Fullerton Limited Partnership, and Hot Topic Administration, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.27		Third Amendment to Industrial Real Estate Lease, dated February 25, 2004, by and among Majestic-Fullerton Road, LLC, PFG Fullerton Limited Partnership, and Hot Topic Administration, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.28		Centre Pointe Distribution Park Lease, dated June 1, 2004, by and among Crescent Resources, LLC and Hot Topic, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.29		Purchase and sale agreement between the Registrant and Crescent Resources, LLC. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 20, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.30		Union Bank of California Trust Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.31		Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2010, by and among Registrant, Steven R. Becker, Matthew A. Drapkin, Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., Becker Drapkin Partners (QP), L.P., Becker Drapkin Partners, L.P., BD Partners I, L.P. and BC Advisors, LLC. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.32		Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2010, by and among Hot Topic, Inc., Clint D. Carlson, Black Diamond Offshore Ltd., Double Black Diamond Offshore Ltd., Carlson Capital L.P. and Asgard Investment Corp. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)

HOT TOPIC INC /CA/ - FORM 10-K - April 6, 2011

Attached files