CITY of INDUSTRY, Calif., Sept. 3, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hot Topic, Inc. (Nasdaq:HOTT) today announced the sales results for its fiscal month of August (four weeks ended August 30, 2008). A summary of the sales results by division (including internet) is as follows:
Comparable Store
Net Sales Sales % Change
------------------- ----------------
% Change
$ To Last This Last
Millions Year Year Year
-------- -------- ------ ------
AUGUST:
Hot Topic $58.7 -0.4% -1.7% -1.7%
Torrid $12.9 6.7% -7.6% 1.7%
Total Co. $71.6 0.8% -2.7% -1.1%
YEAR TO DATE:
Hot Topic $306.9 -1.2% -1.8% -5.3%
Torrid $90.6 13.8% -2.9% 4.5%
Total Co. $397.5 1.9% -2.0% -3.6%
For more detailed information relating to the above matters, please call 626-709-1209 to listen to a recorded commentary.
Hot Topic, Inc. is a shopping mall-based specialty retailer operating the Hot Topic and Torrid concepts. Hot Topic offers music/pop culture licensed and influenced apparel, accessories, music and gift items to young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and 22. Torrid, the company's second concept, provides plus-size fashion-forward apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories that target young women principally between the ages of 15 and 29. As of August 30, 2008, the company operated 684 Hot Topic stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, 157 Torrid stores, and internet stores www.hottopic.com and www.torrid.com.
In addition to historical information, this news release and the aforementioned prerecorded commentary contain forward-looking statements, which may include statements relating to financial results, guidance, store operations, closures, remodels and relocations, projections and other financial performance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties associated with meeting expected financial results, fluctuations in sales and comparable store sales results, risks and uncertainties with respect to new store openings, the online music initiative, music and fashion trends, competition from other retailers, uncertainties generally associated with specialty retailing, technology and other risks associated with internet sales, the effect of high petroleum prices and other economic conditions, the effect of negative conditions in the global capital and credit markets, the effect of severe weather or natural disasters, political and/or social changes or events that could negatively impact shopping patterns and/or mall traffic, relationships with mall developers and operators, relationships with our vendors, the risk that available cash or mall space will not be adequate for planned expansion, litigation proceedings and contingent liabilities, as well as other risks detailed in the company's SEC reports including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008. Historical results achieved are not necessarily indicative of the future prospects of the company, and actual results or circumstances could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.