I have been going to Hot Topic for years all over the bay but I think this one is by far my least favorite. A couple of weeks ago, I was looking for some items I saw online, hoping to buy in store and avoid shipping minimums. I came to the store a little after 5 and walked half way into the store before I was abruptly informed that the store is closing so she could take her lunch. Totally understandable - people deserve to eat but why was there only one person working? Isn't that a safety issue? Regardless, I left without purchasing anything in person and bought the items I wanted online. This past week, after receiving the items, one did not fit well and another item I changed my mind on so I wanted to return them. I went through the return process in the app, filled out the reasons and left to this store. When I arrived, there were at least 4 people working this time. There were two behind the counter, both helping someone. Two young kids were looking around but not in line yet so I stood in "line" directly behind the people paying for their items, only to see a VERY clear sign with taped arrows and everything informing me the line was to start on the right of the registers. I follow the directions, receipt open on my phone, ready to go when the lady at the register looks at me and asks me if she can help me. I said, yes, I was just doing a return. She says okay, the line is over there - and points at the original spot I had been standing. I look at her, look up and point to the VERY CLEAR sign confused. She said, oh, well, people usually line up there, I said okay, should I move? She said no and continued helping someone with a complicated order (using their hotcash). Then, the two young girls get in "line" behind the paying customers. I wait. Expecting the employee that I spoke with literally 6 inches from me, to tell her colleague I was next. But no. The other cashier calls the two young kids up for their purchases. I wait. I am not about to start something with some kids but I was irritated. Finally Hotcash purchaser is finished, I hand the employee the shirt I am returning, she takes it and says, "oh, I can't do returns." And looks around to her other colleague (not the one at the other register) and asks him if he can do the return. He can, apparently, (maybe a manager?) and proceeds to help me. He then takes each item, one at a time, despite them being on the same receipt and asks me to restate why I am returning, taking forever. It was such a weird experience and I did not understand WHY they would put ALL THAT EFFORT into making a sign for the line, only to COMPLETELY IGNORE IT, confusing and annoying the patrons. Hopefully next time I shop at this location they have a CLEAR change in their line management or I will just avoid this one from now on. read more

Present-day Hot Topic is most definitely not the Hot Topic of my youth. Though, after the 2010s, it seems that Hot Topic has made efforts to restore some of the more tradgoth vibes and ambiance that Hot Topic was originally known for, though I guess even babybats like me have to evolve (RIP the days when the Hot Topic closest to me had a coffin in front of their store). Now that I'm a working professional, it's kind of shocking to see how inflated the prices are for not-great-quality accessories and garments. I certainly fell for all of it in my teens and early 20s. Not so much these days anymore. Still, a nice nostalgia trip to walk through here. I did buy a My Chemical Romance Black Parade onesie, so gems can still be found. This is a great location in Hillsdale Mall. read more

Hot Topic - Accessories Near Me - San Mateo, California

Staff here is amazing and always so friendly and helpful. I can see they have a good reportoire with each other that undoubtedly boost their work moral. I've called in and the customer service is just as helpful and friendly when looking for a specific item. The only annoying thing about this location is that the Internet reception is heavily blocked/interfered with. If I need to load something on my phone, like my order email, I have to go outside the shop. Nothing the associates can do about it but something to note. The other thing is HT up charged their Digimon booster packs... It's $4.99 MSRP but they charge like $8. read more

Hot Topic never misses! The staff is always friendly, the vibe is fun, and they always have the best merch--whether it's band tees, anime gear, or pop culture finds. I love that they carry sizes for everyone and actually keep up with new trends while still having the nostalgic stuff too. Every time I walk in, I leave with something I didn't know I needed. Definitely one of my favorite stores to shop at. read more

I stopped in here a few weeks ago to make an exchange for an item they had put on hold for me. I was greeted right away by the store associate, and even though my return was a few days old and the tag had fallen off she gladly took care of me in a fast and professional manner. I was able to try on the hoodie right then and there and it was the perfect fit. Jillian also helped me pick up an online order and informed me about a few in-store deals, which helped me pick out a few more items I had my eye on. Although it's not the closest hot topic to where I live, I'd gladly go back any day since everything I needed to do was taken care of and I was in and out in about 10 minutes. Thank you again Jillian. read more

I don't know when this became the norm, but Hot Topic seems to be like 75%+ anime stuff these days. I guess it's good for a weeb / otaku like me and less good if you're just interested in goth / punk stuff (which is what Hot Topic used to be more about in the past). Lighting is still a bit dark though so I guess that hasn't changed. I walked in and saw so much merchandise from so many anime franchises: Haikyuu, Hunter x Hunter, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Sailor Moon, Fairy Tail, Naruto etc. The merchandise ranged from keychains to enamel pins to blind boxes to notebooks to shirts to socks to backpacks and more. If you are shopping for yourself or a fellow weeb / otaku friend, I'm sure you could find something here (especially if they're into very popular anime). They still have an okay selection of Pop figures. A lot of anime but also some not. read more

Jess was super nice and helpful! My friend and I had a great experience and found some fun Christmas gifts here.

I was really surprised at how nice and friendly the staff were. I had originally called in to inquire about certain items, and the lady was super nice and helpful. I drove in horrible July 4th traffic, which was crazy. It was stop and go and with covid I assumed there would be no traffic at all. When I got to the mall there was not alot of sign to explain which floor which stores were located. I finally found a directory and found the store. When I went inside the store was really organized and clean. The staff greet you at entrance. They also go along and ask if you need assistance. I finally found the items I was looking for. They had a couple squish left for me to choose from. I also asking for the staff to assist me in making a suggestion on which color to get. And she was super nice and actually took out all the squish that was left and assisted in giving me her opinion on to which one to choose. read more

Nice staff, always asks me if I need help finding anything every time I come in the store. They also welcome me every time I come in. Also nice Funko pop selection. read more

The quality has gone down, way way down. No selection, nothing edgy, nothing fun, everything horribly made. I used to enjoy shopping here. It used to be fun, entertaining, and enjoyable. Even the music here sucks now. No goth, metal, screamo, Industrial blasting out your eardrums, now it's top-40 much like their clothing *yawn. Very dry shopping experience and the employees were too busy huddled in back gossiping and eating fast food to contribute to anything remotely positive. I could have walked out with a stack of stuff and they wouldn't have known or cared, I'm wondering how this place stays in business. read more

This Hot Topic is the best around imo. The staff, regardless when I've arrived, is always friendly but not too pushy. They tell you the offers going on with the store or company and then leave you be and offer to answer questions if needed. I've been treated well by them and I admit I've been an awkward customer at times, as, since last year, I usually go in for funko pops and I sometimes ask for specific ones that they need the ladder to look for, and I almost never do the 3 for whatever deals they usually have at the time. So yeah I'm embarrassed to say but I'm probably a pretty annoying customer to them. But again, they're very nice and respectful and my shopping experiences are pleasant whether I get anything or not, and it makes me a repeat customer :) read more

Needed a T-shirt for an upcoming Concert. - Store was trashed. - Staff was helpful & cool. - Found what I wanted very quickly. - felt like I was walking into a head shop. (Google it) - will be back If the occasion ever comes up again. All in all very happy. read more

As mentioned by another reviewer, Hot Topic has some great sales! For some reason, no matter how much the retail price, once it goes on sale chances are it will be $4.99 to $14.99. I like the humor in most items carried by the store. They have great (funny) tshirts, hoodies, stickers, etc. How can I not love a place that first stocked Happy Bunny (at least to my knowledge), Junkfood tees, and pimp hats. read more

I love this store. I often find T-shirts that I would never find anywhere else in the mall. I bought an Angry Birds T-Shirt for about $22. I walked out of the mall and decided to buy a second one. I went inside, picked my shirt out, and waited in front of the register before anyone acknowledged me. The cashiers were arguing with each other about how the other "underestimated him". The fighting continued.. I even participated in the argument asking the guy to please tell us all.. why he underestimated the other cashier.... But we still didn't get an answer. Instead, I left my T-Shirt at the counter and the other stuff I had picked out while waiting. Please improve your customer service. Even while I walked out, they didn't even acknowledge me. Poor, poor customer service. read more

I LOVE this place. I needed a white belt, I knew they would have it. Not only did they have it but it was on sale. Another time, I needed an 80's themed shirt for a band. I scored a $12 tee shirt. I feel I'm a little old to be shopping here but the kids that work here are really helpful and it definately has a place in my life. read more

Hot Topic usually carries exclusive items that I like to buy or collect. They also have a great selection of T-shirts and there happens to be always a sale of some sort. I like to give an extra shout for EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE by Amber and Evie. These ladies helped me out as I was looking for a few specific items and made sure I got everything I needed. read more

The staff are always willing to offer advice, tell you what is on sale, and help you in any way they can, including offering to call other stores for sizes, availability, etc. I find the store in Serramonte Center to have more of a selection, but the Hillsdale store employees will go above and beyond to help you find the right item. Trying to purchase gifts when unfamiliar with anime characters had the potential to be a nightmare, but became very easy with the helpful staff. read more

Horrible service!! The lady at the cashier was rude with an attitude never in hot topic but definitely not going back

I went in surprised at how family friendly the store had become--which was a great deal--and was greeted by a salesperson. Browsing, I found a nice hat and purchased it forthright. The person who helped me, going by Raven, was extremely helpful. I came back later to perhaps purchase something else, and was helped by two people, Thea and the aforementioned Raven--both of whom were very nice and pleasant to talk to. I didn't catch the name of the manager, but he, too, was pleasant. They helped me find a matching scarf. I felt as though the customer service was on point, I highly recommend going there if you are interested in their merchandise. Good Customer Service Neat Knickknacks and clothes read more

Unique clothing and accessories. A bit overpriced unless you buy on clearance. No returns on clearance items accepted. Manager was very helpful when i had a problem with my online order. read more

Love this store... 0 stars! but this location isn't that great! They need better customer service. Raven was rude I'm sure I won't be back to that location if she's working that day! If you don't want to deal with customers you should consider a new profession! read more

I worked for hot topic for years at multiple locations. First as just a sales associate, then left for a bit and came back as a seasonal sales associate and worked my up to an ASM. Lemme tell ya, the customer service at this location sucks. Came here and there was absolutely NO coverage on the sales floor. I was browsing for about ten minutes before Anastasia finally came out of the back just to nod a hello. Not just a customer service issue, but a loss prevention one as well. Disappointed in this location. read more

I bought two t-shirts for my husband before Christmas but I got the wrong size. Went into the store to return or exchange today. The guy at the registrar said oh you can find the right size at another store and drive there to get it. Horrible attitude and service. Even when we had kids and elders. No respect for customers, only cares about his quota and profit. Never visiting this store again! read more

I went in today at about 5 pm to do a a return and an exchange and the retail associate Brandon (sorry STORE MANAGER) gave me the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE. I don't understand how people like him keep their job. I wasn't greeted walking in the door and once I came to the register he seemed super disgruntled and pissed off. I felt like he was looking at me as if I stole something because I didn't have a receipt for the exchange. I'm sorry that I'm a paying customer, but because of your negative attitude and lack of respect I will NEVER COME BACK!!! I hope Brandon realizes the way he comes off towards others read more

Went in on Wednesday September 28 to see the septum jewelry and was convinced to buy a mystery pack with two rings. The manager quickly talked me out of it and actually helped me find exactly what I wanted and went out of her way to search each case up and down to check the inventory. read more

husband and i like going to hot topic to look at their selection of little apple dolls and other misc. toys and stuff. we found some cool magnets for our fridge of these 'skelanimals' cute cute... 90% of what they carry is crap though... and we feel much out of place entering these stores... hehe read more

As soon as we walk in they are rude. And make us feel uncomfortable.

I used to shop here 10 years ago and las month I saw something in the window. I didn't think I fit in their clothes but I do. All the sales associates are super nice and offered me help. When I went to check out they let me know which specials I wasn't taking advantage of so then I could. I've gone back twice more and have ha positive experiences! The ppl that work there are great! Thanks! read more

I just moved here from la so this was the first time i came to this store not only that but my first time at the mall. As soon i walked in i wasnt acknowledged, there was a bunch of guys hanging around the store literally not even shopping just having a reunion. I was looking around for a particular item and i found an employee and asked him if they had it in stock and said no, i then asked if he could redirect me to the wallets he did this with an attitude and said they did not carry what i wanted. To top it of when i decided on an item i went to the cashier to be completely ignored for about 2 minutes. One of the employees finally acknowledged me but both seemed bothered that i interrupted their conversation! Horrible customer service read more

Store manager should not be working in customer service. She was very disrespectful and unprofessional. Not once did she welcome anyone into the store, but she also didn't make you feel welcomed at all. The rest of the employees were sweet though. The only reason I'm giving them three stars is because of one of the clarks, who's name I never got, but he has blue hair. He was super nice and helpful with all the things I needed. read more

It's your standard Hot Topic with a friendly staff -- sometimes you get something great other times you can pass up. I love looking at the shoes or picking up some accessories but the shoes almost always is never in my size. And like every other HT you'll wander into, there's a ridiculous mark-up but usually can grab something decent in the clearance. read more

This store has awesome stuff but the manager gives horrible customer service. The way he presents himself and gives the example to his employees even worst. I felt very uncomfortable. I'll visit other stores.. read more

The new store manager is very rude and annoying. I always shop there, but I could't stand her poor customer service and I left the store without bying anything. I will drive to another store, but wont ever shop at hot topic at Hillsdalade mall again, unless if she gets fired. read more

One of my favorite Hot Topic locations on the peninsula! I had a very fun experience with Kelly, she was very friendly, welcoming, and fun to talk to and help me make some selections. This location definitely has a lot more to choose from. Thanks again Kelly! read more

i love this store. They always have great selections of T-shirts. i just recently got a Baymax and Minnions shirt. this is my favorite store to shop at. They always have great deals. read more