Hot Topic Inc. (NASDAQ:HOTT) – a shopping mall-based specialty retailer operating the Hot Topic and Torrid store concepts across the U.S. as well as the e-space music discovery concept ShockHound – reported a 7% decrease in February 2010 same-store sales, compared to a 10.8% increase in the year-ago period.
 
Total net sales during the month decreased 5.3% to $54.2 million, compared to the previous year. Net sales in the Hot Topic segment fell 10.2% year over year, and increased 10.4% in the Torrid segment during the month.
 
Comp sales decreased 11.2% in the Hot Topic segment during the month, compared to the year-earlier period. Hot Topic’s namesake stores sell a selection of music/pop culture-licensed and music/pop culture-influenced apparel, accessories, music and gift items, primarily targeted towards the age group of 12 to 22.
 
Comp sales increased 8.5% in the Torrid segment for the four-week period ended Feb 27, 2010, compared to the year-earlier period. The company’s Torrid stores sell apparel, lingerie, shoes, and accessories for plus-size women.
 
Hot Topic expects same-store sales to decline in March 2010 as well. Same-store sales have continually suffered due to the prolonged recession, which has squeezed disposable incomes compelling customers to reduce discretionary spending.

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