Acquisition will strengthen the retailer’s offerings as well as solidify its position as a destination for pop culture.

Retailer Hot Topic has acquired certain assets of the apparel and accessories brand Her Universe from founder Ashley Eckstein and The Araca Group.

Hot Topic will now operate the brand’s e-commerce and wholesale business as a division of Hot Topic, Inc. However, Her Universe will continue to be a stand-alone brand that is available at multiple retailers and on HerUniverse.com.

"We are very excited to partner with Ashley Eckstein and Her Universe,” says Steve Vranes, chief executive officer, Hot Topic. “We have worked closely with Ashley, Araca and Her Universe over the past six years, together bringing fangirl fashion to a growing community of passionate fans. Ashley and Araca have built an incredible brand with a loyal customer base, and we look forward to supporting Her Universe in this new capacity.”

The acquisition of the Her Universe will help strengthen Hot Topic’s offerings and solidify the retailer as a go-to destination for pop culture, according to Hot Topic.

“I am thrilled to be bringing Her Universe to the Hot Topic family of brands,” says Ashley Eckstein, founder, Her Universe. “Six years ago I founded Her Universe with the mission to create an empowering community and t-shirt brand for fangirls. We’ve since grown into a fashion, entertainment, publishing and lifestyle brand. Operating as a division of Hot Topic, Her Universe will continue to be a stand-alone brand selling to various retailers but with the support needed to grow the company in ways I have always dreamed.”

“We have had a tremendous experience building Her Universe alongside Ashley for the past six years,” says Mike Rego, chief executive officer, The Araca Group. “Steve and his team at Hot Topic presented an incredibly compelling vision for the future of the brand, and we feel extremely confident that Hot Topic and Ashley will together now lead Her Universe in ways that will satisfy and delight fans for years to come.”