---
title: 'DC Retail Associate at Hot Topic & BoxLunch'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/dc-retail-associate-hot-topic-boxlunch-riverside-tzbje40dc209'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# DC Retail Associate at Hot Topic & BoxLunch

- **Company:** Hot Topic & BoxLunch
- **Location:** Riverside, CA
- **Compensation:** $18–$19/hr
- **Employment:** part-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2025-01-07
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hottopic/08f0011a-076b-4d61-8d21-2c76ba0154a8

## Job description

Our Distribution Center is the heartbeat of the business—without it, our products wouldn’t reach the shelves of our stores. As a Distribution Center Associate for our Retail side, you'll play a key role in processing and shipping merchandise to keep our stores stocked and ready for our customers. Think of yourself as the magic behind the scenes, ensuring our products make it from our DC to our fans. Join us in creating an amazing experience for our customers, one shipment at a time!

We generally hire for these shifts: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 4AM-12:30PM 2nd Shift, Monday-Friday, 12:30PM-9PM

The specific shift(s) we're hiring for can vary based on our current operational needs. Please note that during peak season, schedules may be adjusted, and overtime could be required. We'll clarify this if you're invited to interview.

TO BETTER YOUR CHANCES AT SCORING AN INTERVIEW PLEASE APPLY BY TEXTING "WORK@HT" TO 25000

## WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Pack and Prepare Orders: Efficiently pack orders, ensuring the right materials and supplies are used to maintain accuracy and speed.
- Ensure Accuracy and Timeliness: Process and verify retail orders, ensuring they’re inducted quickly and accurately, supporting a smooth workflow.
- Data Entry: Enter relevant data into PTL and other DC systems—don’t worry, we'll train you!
- Stock Merchandise: Receive and stock new merchandise as it arrives, ensuring inventory is up to date.
- Communicate with Management: Alert management about any production issues to keep things running smoothly.
- Follow Company Policies: Adhere to all safety, cleanliness, and ethical standards to maintain a positive and safe work environment.
- Monitor and Order Supplies: Track production supplies and coordinate with your Supervisor or Team Lead to reorder when needed.
- Follow Procedures and Suggest Improvements: Adhere to departmental guidelines and report any opportunities for process improvements to your supervisor.
- Load and Unload Trailers: Unloading or loading trailers via pallet jacks, or other equipment provided by the DC, training will be provided.
- Order picker: Picking allocated units from the reserved areas to be place in put to light to ship out to stores.
- Support: Assisting the operations teams with clearing jams on the conveyors, to allow the work to flow through the DC.
- Research: Doing inventory checks and research within the DC system to ensure quality and control of inventory.

## WHAT YOU'LL NEED

- Reliable transportation to commute to and from work.
- Previous experience in a distribution center is preferred but not required.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to pull and push up to 50 lbs.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality standards.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating initiative and flexibility as needed.
- A positive attitude with a willingness to contribute to the success of the team and the company.
- Ability to communicate and understand English

Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

## About Hot Topic & BoxLunch

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Hot Topic Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of pop culture and music licensed apparel, accessories, and gifts, operating under the brands Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and Her Universe.
- **Entity Type**: Private (owned by Sycamore Partners since 2013)
- **Headquarters**: City of Industry, California, USA
- **Founded**: 1989 (Hot Topic); 2015 (BoxLunch)
- **Founders**: Orv Madden (Hot Topic); BoxLunch was launched by Hot Topic Inc.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Retail – Pop Culture Merchandise, Apparel, and Gifts
- **Target customers**: B2C – Fans of music, anime, gaming, movies, TV, and pop culture; primarily Gen Z and Millennials
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To be the destination of pop culture and music merchandise while giving back to the community. BoxLunch’s specific mission: for every $10 spent, provide a meal to someone in need through Feeding America®.

## Products & Services
- **Hot Topic**: Clothing, accessories, music, jewelry, and collectibles featuring officially licensed band tees, pop culture-inspired collections, anime merch, and fashion apparel. (Brick-and-mortar and e-commerce)
- **BoxLunch**: Pop culture merch and gifts including apparel, collectibles, and accessories. Launched in 2015, with over 150 specialty shops and a thriving e-commerce site. Each purchase helps provide meals to those in need.
- **Her Universe**: A brand focused on female fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture, offering licensed apparel and accessories.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue – Hot Topic approx. $741.7M; BoxLunch approx. $74.3M (LinkedIn estimates, combined ~$816M)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Owner: Sycamore Partners (private equity); Partners: Feeding America®, Mental Health America, Notes for Notes, The Trevor Project
- **Growth Signals**: BoxLunch headcount grew 13.9% YoY to 655 employees; Hot Topic headcount grew 6.2% YoY to 2,215 employees; active job postings: 1,184 (as of Sept 2026); BoxLunch has given over 100 million meals to date; expanding distribution centers (La Vergne, TN and Riverside, CA).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Exclusive Licensing**: Deep relationships with major entertainment studios and music labels, securing exclusive product lines not available at general retailers.
- **Niche Community Focus**: Strong brand loyalty among pop culture, music, and anime fans; authentic engagement with subcultures.
- **Philanthropy as Differentiator**: BoxLunch’s meal-giving model creates emotional connection and repeat purchases.
- **Omnichannel Presence**: 600+ Hot Topic retail locations, 150+ BoxLunch stores, plus robust e-commerce and distribution network.

## Strategic Focus
- Expand BoxLunch store footprint and e-commerce penetration.
- Strengthen direct-to-consumer relationships through social media and influencer partnerships.
- Continue to invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Grow the Her Universe brand and cater to underserved female fandom.
- Optimize supply chain and distribution for faster fulfillment.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Inclusive, collaborative, and authentic environment where employees are encouraged to “be who you are and love what you do.” The company values creativity and innovation.
- **Work Policy**: Hybrid workspace – employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work. Typical time on-site is flexible.
- **Perks & Benefits**: Performance bonuses, family medical leave, job training and talent development programs. Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
- **Career Growth**: Opportunities across retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate HQ. Strong internal mobility, with many employees moving between brands (e.g., talent from GameStop, Target, Vans).
- **Community Impact**: Employees take pride in giving back through partnerships with Feeding America, Mental Health America, and other nonprofits.

## Sources
1. [lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/hottopic) – Hot Topic Inc. careers page
2. [linkedin.com/company/hot-topic](https://linkedin.com/company/hot-topic) – Hot Topic company profile
3. [linkedin.com/company/boxlunch](https://linkedin.com/company/boxlunch) – BoxLunch company profile
4. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/hot-topic-inc) – Hot Topic Inc. culture, perks, and offices
5. [builtinla.com](https://www.builtinla.com/company/hot-topic-inc) – Hot Topic Inc. Los Angeles office overview

## Other roles at Hot Topic & BoxLunch

- [Assistant Manager Licensing, Business Development](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-manager-licensing-business-development-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-35xbe7qwjyr9) — City of Industry, CA
- [Fulfillment Team Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/fulfillment-team-lead-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-cka5ca8y90rk) — La Vergne, TN
- [Junior Systems Analyst, WMS](https://feeny.ai/job/junior-systems-analyst-wms-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-xks9s6aa5zqx) — La Vergne, TN
- [Purchasing Manager – Retail Operations & Indirect Procurement](https://feeny.ai/job/purchasing-manager-retail-operations-indirect-procurement-hot-topic-boxlunch-00gb4kr9v43d) — City of Industry, CA
- [Licensing Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/licensing-coordinator-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-xg8xxm3dp9f9) — City of Industry, CA
- [Financial Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/financial-analyst-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-68y9adc427cd) — City of Industry, CA
- [DC Inventory Control Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/dc-inventory-control-manager-hot-topic-boxlunch-riverside-9j6s81p64bzt) — Riverside, CA
- [Equipment Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/equipment-operator-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-5bedc0esa0dq) — La Vergne, TN
- [Distribution Center Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/distribution-center-associate-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-xd17zds01qm6) — La Vergne, TN
- [DC Inventory Control Supervisor](https://feeny.ai/job/dc-inventory-control-supervisor-hot-topic-boxlunch-riverside-8fcxchf964np) — Riverside, CA