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7 Alternative Fashion Stores Like Hot Topic

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What Are the Best Alternatives to Hot Topic?

It's fascinating to think that Hot Topic continues to do so well after more than a decade. In many ways, it's the go-to store of American teens who want to stand out, show their unique style, and express their true selves. It's also the perfect store for those who want to take a step back in time and relive their childhood memories. Yes, you can still find that Led Zeppelin shirt you wore back in the day. But what makes Hot Topic special is its ability to blend nostalgia and modern pop culture.

Hot Topic provides teens with limitless options. Their strong presence in malls means their products are accessible to consumers. They have adapted seamlessly as well, offering an online shopping platform, and partnering with famous brands to attract large audiences. Case in point is their exclusive collection of Funko Pop! Vinyl figurines.

Shopping at Hot Topic never gets old. But if you're looking for something new, then check out these stores like Hot Topic where you can find even more amazing stuff.

Stores Similar to Hot Topic

  1. Blue Banana
  2. RebelsMarket
  3. Grindstore
  4. Too Fast
  5. Rockabilia
  6. Darkside
  7. Dolls Kill
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1. Blue Banana

Drawing parallels between Hot Topic and Blue Banana is almost impossible. These two stores are well known for setting new trends, refusing to conform to the norm, and encouraging customers to bring out their own style. Blue Banana opened in 1997 as a small business that sold novelty gifts. Today, they have one of the largest collections of clothing that you wouldn't find in mainstream stores.

Blue Banana has been the favorite of alternative fashion lovers for many years. Whether you want to flaunt your punk, emo, or gothic style, then this store should be on top of your list. They even sell Funko Pop! just like Hot Topic.

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2. RebelsMarket

RebelsMarket is a store that lives up to its name. The company's mission is to help people find the motivation to break the mold, formulate their own ideas, and avoid following the crowd blindly just to look "cool." They take pride in offering unique products you won't find anywhere else. If individuality is what you want when shopping for clothes, then RebelsMarket is definitely worth checking out.

You'll find plenty of alternative styles in their store including gothic, pin-up, metal, emo, steampunk, skating, surfing, and streetwear. Perhaps what's most interesting is the fact that they feature designs from indie artists with a Rebel spirit.

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3. Grindstore

If you're the type of person who likes wearing shirts with your favorite TV characters, then you'd be hard-pressed to find another store that has as vast a collection as Grindstore. They've been around since 2004, making them one of the most successful alternative fashion stores. Just a quick look at their online portal and you'll be amazed by the massive volume of products they offer.

Name any fashion-related item and you can bet that Grindstore has it. Aside from t-shirts, hats, and hoodies, you'll also find posters, mugs, and board games. Use the search function to look up your favorite TV, superhero, video game, or anime character and you'll be spoilt for choice. Watch out for their exclusive products as well which they usually offer at great prices.

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4. Too Fast

Here's a store like Hot Topic that may not be as popular as the rest, but it shares the same passion for creating some of the most bizarre pieces of clothing you'll come across. Too Fast started out as a one-woman operation, and while it has grown over the years, it continues to be a small business with the same goal of making distinctive clothes for alternative fashion.

Too Fast takes pride in constantly pushing the envelope. And according to their site, some people have already said that the company takes things a little too far. But that's what put them on the map. Today, Too Fast's following grows exponentially, with a particularly large fan base of punk rock and old-school metal lovers.

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5. Rockabilia

It's so easy to set up an online store these days. Even you can create your own shop where you can sell all sorts of items. This fact also explains why there are so many counterfeit products online. If you want to support your favorite bands by purchasing their merchandise, then make sure the store you're buying from offers 100% officially licensed products. Rockabilia has a huge collection of t-shirts, posters, and other items that come straight from record labels and artists.

Rockabilia prides itself as the premier destination for music and entertainment merchandise. Similar to Hot Topic, you can find a range of items on offer such as shirts, shoes, hoodies, bottoms, and accessories. You might even get the chance to be featured on their website by sharing your photo on their Instagram account.

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6. Darkside

Darkside is the oldest store on the list, but despite their age, they know how to adapt to the times. Established in 1977, Darkside has grown to be one of the biggest manufacturers of alternative and pop culture fashion. Being around for 30 years says a lot about the quality of their products. The company specializes in alternative, punk, rock, gothic, and streetwear clothing.

If you check out their designs, you'll find that they're quite typical for alternative fashion. They don't offer the flashiest products, but their quality is second to none. Darkside even has a dedicated section on its site for kids' clothing. For sure, those who grew up buying from this store may have purchased a thing or two for their little one as well.

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7. Dolls Kill

Dolls Kill only offers women's clothing right now, but I just have to include them in this list. A quick peek at their website and I guarantee that you'll love it. The modern interface, easy navigation, and ultra-high-quality photos are so refreshing. But of course, their clothes take center stage.

Every single one of their designs shouts one thing, "Go against the grain!" This is the perfect store for anyone with an "IDGAF" attitude. Dolls Kill is a must-see for any woman who wants to unleash their own style.

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