No customer service at all ! I asked two questions to the same person and she was completely rude both times ! I know it's the holidays but being rude when I asked a question completely nicely is uncalled for! I will no longer be shopping at this location. read more

I'm not generally the review type, but I had such a great experience I wanted to say something! The employees at this location were some of the sweetest I had ever encountered. I visited this location twice on my recent vacation, and both times I left feeling satisfied and with a little confidence boost. Unfortunately, I'm bad with names, but I really appreciated the interactions, compliments, and assistance provided by an employee with red hair and micro bangs, another with beautiful long/dark hair, and another with a scene/emo style. All three were such lovely people (with great fashion taste ) The store's selection was refreshing. I feel like it had your standard Hot Topic merchandise, but I saw a lot of items in store that I don't generally see at the locations back home (ie. certain figures, t-shirts, jewelry, etc.), so I ended up splurging a bit. I'm super happy with everything I purchased. Thank you to the three employees I mentioned! You all really made my day read more

Located inside Northridge mall Store is organized and well stocked I returned an item I ordered on line that arrived broken Return process was easy Customer service is friendly and efficient Prices are reasonable read more

This location is pretty good. Most of their staff is friendly. I was really bummed when I heard the old manager was leaving, as she was awesome but the new manager is a nice guy. The one problem I have is the same problem I have with ALL Hot Topic stores: The company doesn't trust its managers to allow them to order their own stock. I've encountered this problem at EVERY Hot Topic store I've been to, and it's not on the location itself, it's on crappy corporate behavior toward its managers! You've hired these managers for a reason: because you trust them with the money coming in and out of the store, and with the stock you deign to send to them. Why the hell would you NOT trust them with ordering the merchandise??? It's beyond my comprehension! Allow them to order the stock they KNOW will sell at their store! Don't just send whatever and force them to stuff it into every nook and cranny they can find, trying to get it to sell. That's not right nor is it fair to the stores and customers. The Corporate office DOES NOT know local customer base, the local Managers DO. Put some trust in your managers and let them order to their region's strengths! You'll get more sales that way. read more

As Hot Topics go this one isn't bad. I know... shocking. But during my visit everything was orderly, they had a huge sale, so much to almost all of the clothing was 50-75% off and they had a pretty large array of sizes. Which if you've ever been to the Hot Topics in SF or even Berkeley means they won't have a medium to save their life. And this store had at least 4 or 5 in their sale section. Kinda insane. I ended up buying a pretty cute-esque skirt for ten bucks, which is about what it's worth. All in all the service was friendly and I got out of there for less than a twenty. I'd be a happy camper. That is, if Meg's camped. read more

Ok... wondering why there are very few reviews, they have been opened for ever.. I been to this location quite a few times in the last year. But mostly prefer to buy online. I love to shop in the clearance section (you know buy one get one for free or a dollar). In the last year I have seen the exact same shirts, sweaters, dresses, pants, accessories, etc. in the clearance racks... seems like they don't move. It is somewhat messy but think partially because it's so small and they have a lot of merchandise. I had to go to the Monterey location to see if they had something available that was sold out online and unavailable at Salinas location. I'm so glad I went, I will try to go there more often... it looks like they keep up with their merchandise. It was very tidy. Now it might just be Salinas. Most stores in Salinas are kind of a mess... They had good deals for "Black Friday". I arrived (going back to Salinas location) right when they opened so I was one of the first ones to go in. I would suggest buying online during this time (Covid). If you don't want to pay for shipping on smaller orders (like me), get it delivered to the store and go right when they open. Enter through entrance by Blaze Pizza earlier... You can also inform them you are only there to pick up! read more

If I can give this hot topic 0 stars, I would. Don't go to this store if you're asian, the manager is racist and rude. He gave us a bad attitude as soon as we enter the Hot Topic at Northridge mall in Salinas. Javier did not greet us from the beginning and only acknowledged us when we ourselves approached him. It was obvious that he didn't seem interested in helping us. When he finally could be bothered he gave us the worst snappy attitude ever. I cannot believe he's considered a store manager considering his abrasive attitude who lacks customer service and respect! Will never come back to this store. read more

When my mom and I go to the mall we always make it a point to stop at Hot Topic and since they carry many merchandise from my favorite TV shows Hot Topic has been my favorite store ever since. When I go to Hot Topic I always like to look at and buy the plush toys they have and their clearance section is so cool with deals on their awesome clothing and you just can't beat their prices on their items. My mother likes the wonderful assortment of Disney jewelry that Hot Topic offers and their jewelry section as so great as well. And the staff is so awesome as well. If you have to go to any Hot Topic location the Salinas Hot Topic is the best store around read more

the staff members are always super friendly. i also really appreciate that the the store is really organized.

Just had the most exciting experience at Hot Topic. It has been a while, since I shopped at Hot Topic and one unique employee definitely surpassed the bar of excellent customer service. A lot of people may not see the potential these employees have, yet they are the face of the company and they are what makes it all possible. So thank you wonderful manager that took my shopping experience to a hole new level. If I could suggest to her supervisor, she deserves a raise. read more

I shop at Hot Topic for the Funko Pops to add to my collection. This store is really great. The staff, especially "Amy" is VERY friendly and willing to go above and beyond to help you out. Their stock of products is fairly complete and I really appreciate all of their help that "Amy" provides. I am in a wheelchair, and am able to get through the isles easily. If there is something I cannot reach "Amy" is always available. THANK YOU so much for your awesome store and service! read more

Hot Topic has a lot of odd, funky and fun accessories. Most with a bit of an edge. Affordable pricing and decent quality. What my rating is really about though is the customer service. I came in to make a return and was helped by an associate named Rose. She made customer service her priority. She took the time to call the help center and was very calm, cool and collected during the process. I appreciate her patience and support. Thank you, Rose. read more

The staffs aren't as sincere as what I expected them to be. They seemed forced on everything. I wouldn't even dare ask for their help anymore. read more

Northridge Mall is the only mall in Salinas and over the years it has been adding new stores to make improvements. Hot Topic is a great store to go to if you looking for cute funky accessories and band tee shirts. They almost always have good sales towards the back of the store. And they a have a good selection of plugs and tapers for reasonable prices (the best in the mall). read more