---
title: 'Purchasing Agent I at Hot Topic & BoxLunch'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/purchasing-agent-i-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-2jqm9znp21m8'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-01'
---

# Purchasing Agent I at Hot Topic & BoxLunch

- **Company:** Hot Topic & BoxLunch
- **Location:** City of Industry, CA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-10-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-01
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/hottopic/185d5468-5e12-40d0-861e-5306a41cc686

## Job description

## WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Facilitate bids, analysis and negotiations for goods and services, as assigned
- Accurate and timely processing of all purchase orders according to company standard process.
- Manage the day-to-day business relationship and transactions utilizing pre-established Annual and Blanket Agreements with key suppliers through supporting activities including ordering, communication of demand/ volume/ delivery time changes, issue resolution, sharing of end-user feedback, follow up on backorders, etc.
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure continuity of goods and services that meet the quality, service and price performance standards of the company
- Works with other members of the purchasing and finance team to support and implement financial initiatives that reduce transaction cost and consolidate volume.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively across different organizational levels, functions and brands to support procurement goals and objectives.

## WHAT YOU'LL NEED

- AA or BA/BS in Business or related field required
- Minimum of 3-5 years facility or commodity purchasing experience
- Possesses a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing and a basic understanding of the finance functions
- Experience in Lawson a plus, but not required
- Quick customer service/problem solving skills
- Strong interpersonal skills; Able to forge internal customer and external supplier relationships

## 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

- [Associate Merchandise Planner](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-merchandise-planner-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-4zc77wwe4fdq) — City of Industry, CA
- [Senior Inventory Accountant](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-inventory-accountant-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-njt5gkg3rame) — 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
- [Financial Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/financial-analyst-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-68y9adc427cd) — City of Industry, 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 Warehouse Associate - Seasonal 2026](https://feeny.ai/job/dc-warehouse-associate-seasonal-2026-hot-topic-boxlunch-riverside-8treck0ffpb9) — Riverside, CA
- [Chief Financial Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/chief-financial-officer-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-6apn69jgrtea) — City of Industry, CA
- [Chief Technology Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/chief-technology-officer-hot-topic-boxlunch-city-of-industry-686nss4mkgvt) — City of Industry, CA