A popular grunge retailer, once the homebase for all things emo and goth, is eyeing a new Central Texas storefront outside of its typical mall roots. Hot Topic has set plans for a new $180,000 store within a growing shopping complex off Interstate 35 in Austin, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.
The alternative fashion and pop culture brand is remodeling a space at 9600 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Suite 96G-400 within Southpark Meadows, the furthest shopping center south of Austin. Last year, the retail hub welcomed two new businesses including a Pluckers restaurant and a Barnes & Noble store.
This new Hot Topic will mark the chain’s second location in the city, and second store outside of a mall in Central Texas. Hot Topic currently operates seven Central Texas stores in Austin, Round Rock, San Antonio, San Marcos, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Killeen.
Its San Marcos storefront in the Tanger Outlets is Hot Topic’s only store outside of a mall in the region, but that will soon change.
Construction on Austin’s second Hot Topic is expected to begin in November and is slated to wrap by January 22, 2027, according to the TDLR. However, all TDLR estimated construction start and completion dates are subject to change at any time.
The scope of work for the project includes a renovation/alteration for a tenant to fill an existing 5,023-square-foot space, per the filing. Hot Topic is a nationwide clothing store known for selling rock band T-shirts and music-inspired merchandise for teens and young adults.
The retail chain operates more than 600 stores across the United States and Canada. MySA reached out to Hot Topic for more information on its projected Austin opening.