Is Hot Topic Really Returning to Missoula’s Southgate Mall?
If you spent even a little bit of your childhood wandering Southgate Mall during the late '90s/early 2000s, there were several stores you had to visit while you were at the mall. For me, one of these stores was Hot Topic.
Not because I was planning on buying a new spiked dog collar. Not because I was looking for a new bottle of black nail polish (and/or) a chain wallet so I would look like a real-life vampire. I was going to go to Hot Topic for their band t-shirts!
For many years, Hot Topic was one of the better options for finding cool rock/metal band tees in Missoula, and I spent hours upon hours browsing the clearance rack to see if I could find something that I hadn't seen before.
It appears that Hot Topic will once again be returning to Missoula.
The Signs Are Literally on the Wall
Currently, there is ongoing construction within Southgate Mall with Hot Topic signs and other information related to applying for work outside of the construction area.
Although I called mall management and couldn't reach anybody, I did follow up on the hiring information that has been posted at the construction site. This is when the rumor gets much more interesting.
According to Hot Topic's own website, they used to hire employees; Hot Topic has listed "Hot Topic #0864 - Southgate Mall" in Missoula. They are also hiring for numerous positions such as: store manager, part-time assistant manager, sales associate, seasonal sales associate. It is clear what this indicates.
Missoula Actually Asked for Hot Topic Back
It isn't just me who feels nostalgic for Hot Topic. Some Missoulians felt strongly enough about wanting Hot Topic back that they started a petition to try to bring the store back to Southgate Mall. Now, all these years later, we have evidence of the physical construction taking place inside Southgate Mall, evidence of the Hot Topic signage, and evidence of actual job postings available for a Southgate Mall location.
While I may not be Sherlock Holmes, I do believe I've connected some dots together.
When Will Hot Topic Open in Missoula?
This is what I still don't know how to verify. While I found a post from someone stating they are relocating to Missoula to assist in opening the new Hot Topic store and they need to arrive in town by November, which might indicate a fall opening for the new store, I have not verified anything officially indicating the exact date of the opening. Therefore, I'm not going to circle November 1st on my calendar. What I am doing is mentally preparing myself for the chance that I'll be walking down another aisle of Hot Topic, looking at band T-shirts, and I'll be surrounded by people young enough to ask themselves why the old guy keeps getting excited over the Iron Maiden shirts.
The ’90s Are Back: Let's Look at the Famous Faces Who Made the Decade Iconic
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
