---
title: 'Equipment Operator at Hot Topic & BoxLunch'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/equipment-operator-hot-topic-boxlunch-la-vergne-5bedc0esa0dq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Equipment Operator at Hot Topic & BoxLunch

- **Company:** Hot Topic & BoxLunch
- **Location:** La Vergne, TN
- **Compensation:** $19–$20/hr
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-08-07
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hottopic/5ac7efa4-f055-4223-a806-82922d2b96a6

## Job description

Join the coolest DC in Tennessee! Our Distribution Center keeps our stores stocked and our Ecommerce orders moving. As an Equipment Operator, you'll operate material handling equipment to transport merchandise throughout the facility, supporting both retail replenishment and online order fulfillment. Behind every shipment is your hard work—like Harry Potter, you're creating the magic that gets our products into the hands of our customers.

Pay Range: $18.74hr - $20.24hr Please note the pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but other factors such as shift will determine the final salary for potential new hires.

## WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Transport products throughout the distribution center.
- Operate powered material handling equipment including order picker, reach truck, pallet truck, and counterbalance forklift in a safe and efficient manner.
- Stock new merchandise as we receive it.
- Stick to all company policies and procedures, including safety, cleanliness, and code of ethics
- Follow all written departmental procedures and identify any changes that may be necessary, reporting these findings to your supervisor
- Work in a new, climate-controlled building with an awesome break room and overhead music throughout
- Distribution center environment with moderate to loud noise level.

## WHAT YOU'LL NEED

- Valid Driver's License
- Ability to operate powered industrial equipment
- The desire and ability to be certified (in-house) on all company power equipment
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Previous DC and/or Internet Fulfillment experience preferred
- Consistent and reliable attendance
- This role requires physical stamina and attention to detail in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
- Responsibilities include standing and walking for extended periods, frequently lifting and carrying boxes up to 50 lbs., and bending, reaching, twisting, and performing repetitive motions while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

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
- [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
- [Merchandise Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/merchandise-coordinator-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-3595pvttq7eb) — City of Industry, CA