If you’re into pop culture, anime, band merch, or alternative fashion, Hot Topic’s Black Friday sale is probably already on your radar. So what’s coming and when? We’ve put together everything you need to know about what to expect from Hot Topic this year—including dates, typical discounts, what to look out for, and even some specific items that were marked down last time. This is all based on previous sales and the patterns Hot Topic seems to follow.
Likely Black Friday 2025 Sale Start & End Dates
In recent years, Hot Topic has been starting their Black Friday sales well before the long weekend. For 2025, the sale is expected to begin on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, which is just over a week before Thanksgiving. The deals usually roll out online first at hottopic.com, often around midnight Pacific Time, and continue through Thanksgiving weekend. In-store deals tend to start the same day or shortly after the online launch.
It’s likely the main promotion will run at least through the weekend, ending either on Sunday or carrying into Cyber Monday (December 1, 2025). Based on past years, Cyber Monday usually brings a fresh batch of online-only deals, sometimes overlapping with Black Friday offers but often with a few changes.
How Hot Topic Structures Their Discounts
Hot Topic typically keeps their sales pretty straightforward. Most items in the store are marked down anywhere from 30% to 50% off. That wide range depends on the category—clothing and accessories often get deeper discounts, while collectibles and licensed merchandise like Loungefly backpacks might get more modest markdowns.
There are also special deals that stand out. Last year and the year before, there were tiered or combo offers like:
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$15 graphic tees
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Buy One Get One for $10 hoodies and cardigans
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Sitewide discounts that weren’t stackable with other promotions or coupons
These kinds of deals are great if you’re buying in multiples—so if you’re getting gifts or grabbing matching hoodies with a friend, the BOGO offers really pay off.
Examples of Last Year’s Deals
Looking at last year gives a pretty solid idea of what kinds of items will be marked down again. Here are some examples of what went on sale during Black Friday 2024 and how much the discounts were:
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My Chemical Romance Lovers Hoodie
Regular price: $64.90
Part of the Buy One, Get One for $10 hoodie deal -
Peanuts Snoopy Fair Isle Sherpa Girls Cardigan
Regular price: $59.90
Also part of the Buy One, Get One for $10 cardigan offer -
Loungefly “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Jack Backpack
Sale price: $29.94 (originally $49.90) -
Loungefly Disney “The Princess and the Frog” Tiana Fairy Backpack
Sale price: $29.94 (originally $49.90) -
Billie Eilish “Hit Me Hard and Soft” Blue T-Shirt
Sale price: $15.00 (originally $38.90) -
Attack on Titan Levi Manga T-Shirt
Sale price: $15.00 (originally $28.90) -
One Piece Devil Fruit Cozy Slipper Socks
Sale price: $11.83 (originally $16.90) -
Sweet Society Red & Black Checkered Bib Collar Dress
Sale price: $27.93 (originally $39.90) -
Yellowstone Revenge T-Shirt
Sale price: starting at $11.95 (originally from $23.90) -
Black & Silver Butterfly Rhinestone Belt
Sale price: $9.45 (originally $18.90) -
Disney Princess Kawaii Nintendo Switch Carrying Case
Sale price: $14.84 (originally $24.90) -
Pusheen Key Caps
Sale price: $11.83 (originally $16.90) -
Super Mario Bros. Super Star Tree Topper
Sale price: $35.91 (originally $39.90) -
Squishmallows Sonic the Hedgehog Santa 8-Inch Plush
Sale price: $22.41 (originally $24.90)
The patterns are pretty easy to spot here—tees mostly dropped to $15, novelty gifts hovered around 30% off, and hoodies were tied into bundle offers. It’s very likely we’ll see similar pricing this year.
Last Year’s Black Friday Ad
Black Friday Ad History
Are you interested in viewing some of Hot Topic’s previous Black Friday ads? Then follow the links below to view the ad scan archive.
- 2024: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
- 2023: Page 1, 2 and 3.
- 2022: Page 1, 2 and 3.
- 2021: Page 1 and 2.
- 2020: Page 1 and 2.
- 2019: Page 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 2018: Page 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- 2017: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
- 2016: Page 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 2015: Page 1 and 2.
- 2014: Page 1, 2 and 3.
Questions & Comments
What are you planning on picking up at Hot Topic this upcoming holiday weekend? Let us know in the comments.