Introduction
Hot Topic Incorporated is in California, in the City of Industry. The retailer mainly deals with licensing products. These include clothes, t- shirts as well as accessories. There is a focus on contemporary music trends.
Hot Topic as a Successful Retailer
Hot Topic Incorporated is extremely successful as a retailer. The company possesses two famous and unique retail store lines; Torrid and Hot Topic. This allows the company to reach and serve many customers. The company has an effective marketing strategy, where each of the stores offers slightly different products to suit customers.
Hence, depending on the customer’s need, he goes to the respective store. Hot Topic offers a wide range of products which targets youths (Manning, 2009). On the other hand, Torrid is majorly a fashion store. It specializes with modern fashionable clothing. In addition, the company has been consistent in its services and culture, and has therefore, been recognized one of the “Best Companies to Work for” and “Best Small Companies.”
Hot Topic has a passion for concepts, as the driving force. It is worth noting that if a company has no driving force, it loses focus and cannot be successful. Fashion and music are the driving forces at Hot Topic. Music inspires products, store design and employees.
Popularity with Employees
Hot Topic employs an age group that is the most passionate and aggressive. Moreover, the working environment embraces a culture that the age group preoccupies itself with most of the time: music. Not only does the culture embrace music, but modern music. The company appreciates what its employees offer. Furthermore, the company has embraced a culture where employees own the company and are loyal, as well (Manning, 2009).
All positions and levels in the organization receive equal treatment, and share in the passion driving culture. The company possesses a marvelous working environment. Employees have a feeling of appreciation for their contribution.
In the company, there is a concert reimbursement program. Employees can attend concerts with people close to them, and the company returns them the expenses. An employee qualifies for this benefit after submitting a fashion report. It is worth noting that this acts as motivation if employees deliver. According to Manning (2009), the company and employees benefit from empowerment, open communication and collaboration. When making risk- taking decisions in regard to meeting customer needs, employees receive support.
The support prevents blame for inappropriate decisions, afterwards. Therefore, employees receive empowerment and inclusion in decision making. They receive motivation through on- site massages, cell phone discounts, reimbursement, scholarship, health fairs and a program on ‘employee of the month. Another motivation is the “9/80” program.
Keeping the Success going
Guarding its culture and vision is imperative for Hot Topic Incorporated to maintain success. The marketing departments should be aggressive in its marketing strategies to ensure the company becomes more famous and serves more people.
How ‘No Walls and No Doors’ Idea encourage Hot Topic Culture
The company embraces empowerment, open communication and collaboration. Therefore, employees at all levels and positions appreciate and focus on growing each other. With such an environment, every employee is free to contribute their ideas for the company’s development and success. All employees share space and work in a big room. Hierarchy is insignificant, and open communication and collaboration are the leading goals (Manning, 2009).
The Work Atmosphere
I admire the working environment that Hot Topic offers and would undoubtedly like working with the company. Few companies promote empowerment, open communication and collaboration with its employees. Hot Topic Incorporation is unquestionably the place to be.
Reference
Manning, G. (2009). The Art of Leadership (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw- Hill Learning Solutions.