Hot Topic Inc., which operates 700 stores in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, has acquired the assets of Her Universe, the fangirl brand started by actress Ashley Eckstein in 2010.  Her Universe started as a t-shirt brand for fangirls (we first became aware of them from their Star Wars-branded apparel stand at San Diego Comic-Con) and has expanded to include more apparel categories, prose publishing, a reality show on the Comic-Con SVOD channel (see “Comic-Con, Lionsgate to Launch SVOD Channel”), and a fashion show.

Eckstein will be continuing her role as Founder and overseeing the company as a separate division of Hot Topic, with her personal focus “on continuing to build our amazing community and offering more content and ways for fans to connect.”

In a message to the community, Eckstein promised expansion as a result of the acquisition, with more plus sizes, sales in Europe, men’s products, a “new and improved” Her Universe Press, new licenses, more active wear, and more fashion categories. 

Her Universe products will continue to be sold by multiple retailers, including Hot Topic. 

Hot Topic is heavily involved in retailing geek merch through its three chains, Hot Topic, Torrid, and new concept Box Lunch (see "Suddenly, Brick and Mortar Is Back in Style").