EXHIBIT 23.1






                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (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 13, 1998, with 
respect to the financial statements of Hot Topic, Inc. included in the Annual 
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 1998.


                                                Ernst & Young LLP


Los Angeles, California
April 24, 1998