Hot Topic Signs Deal Selecting GERS Retail Systems as Their Retail Software Solutions Provider

Business Wire, August 2, 1999

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 1999--

GERS Retail Systems, a global provider of enterprise-wide database solutions for retailers and direct marketers, is very pleased to announce that Hot Topic Inc. (Nasdaq:HOTT), a nationwide specialty retailer, has licensed the GERS Enterprise1 retail system.

"Hot Topic is a retail operation that has truly captured the recipe for success in the marketplace. We couldn't be happier to be partnering with them as their retail system provider," said Jim Henderson, president and chief executive officer of GERS. "They have grown rapidly over the last few years and we intend on being with them every step of the way as they continue to grow."

Hot Topic licensed the GERS Enterprise1 application that includes Merchandising, Distribution and Accounting; Store Orders; Sales Audit; Open-to-Buy; Stock Ledger, and POS modules and GERS' RetailAnalyst, a new offering that is part of the GERS Business Intelligence Initiative.

Founded in 1989, Hot Topic is a mall-based specialty retailer of music-licensed and music-influenced apparel, accessories and gift items for young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and 22. Headquartered in the City of Industry, Calif., Hot Topic currently operates 184 stores in 40 states and has an Internet site and store (www.hottopic.com).

After reviewing other software systems, Hot Topic chose GERS in part because of its experience with open technology and flexibility in meeting their retail systems requirements. "We were looking for a one stop retail solution with relational database technology and found GERS met our requirements including implementation and support services," said Reid Killen, Hot Topic's vice president, information technology.

San Diego-based GERS Retail Systems, in operation for more than a quarter-of-a-century, provides fully integrated, enterprise-wide software solutions, hardware, and comprehensive training for retail, direct marketing and e-retailing businesses with nearly 400 clients worldwide. Built upon an Oracle relational database to maximize flexibility, data access, and support high growth, the GERS Retail Suite of products is a comprehensive business management system designed to maximize employee and inventory efficiency. Included in the GERS Suite are solutions for merchandising, distribution, financial management, point-of-sale and e-Commerce. For more information, login on to www.gers.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to the business of Hot Topic, Inc., which risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Jan. 30, 1999. The historical information is not necessarily indicative of future prospects of Hot Topic Inc.