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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-13875) pertaining to the Non-Plan Stock Options, 1996 Equity
Incentive Plan, 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan and Employee
Stock Purchase Plan of Hot Topic, Inc. of our report dated March 7, 1997, with
respect to the financial statements of Hot Topic, Inc. included in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 1, 1997.


                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Los Angeles, California
April 23, 1997