Hot Topic, a mall-based chain of retail stores that specializes in apparel, accessories, gifts, and music for teenagers, is beginning an exclusive merchandise program for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.  Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Lupin, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Brak Show, and Sealab 2021 are among the properties displayed on t-shirts, stickers, hats, and posters available only at Hot Topic's mall and online stores.  The store also intends to support the properties with in-store signage and a Cartoon Network contest.

Hot Topic's exclusive Adult Swim merchandise is a new benchmark in the increasing trend toward licensed properties going exclusively with single retailers.  In the past, exclusive deals have tended to go to mass merchants like Toys R Us (which recently acquired exclusive rights to sell merchandise associated with the re-release of E.T.) and Wal-Mart (see 'Disney Gives Wal-Mart 'Kim Possible' Exclusive').  But now with smaller, specialty retail chains in the mix, the landscape for film and television licensed merchandise is becoming even more treacherous for the retailer that wants to carry everything.