Hot Topic and Toonstar launch Web3 tie up at San Diego Comic-Con

Toonstar has become the official Web3 partner for Hot Topic.

It will be the US retailer’s preferred Web3 provider to produce NFTs and other digital activations for both original projects and Hot Topic developed IP.

Hot Topic will officially launch the relationship at Comic-Con on 21st July with an exclusive opportunity for The Hot Topic HT Fanatics community to have a cameo in an upcoming episode of The Gimmicks, a Web3 animated series that Toonstar co-produces with actress Mila Kunis’ digital studio Sixth Wall.

According to a press release, “with more than 800 stores across the US stocked with merchandise representing the latest pop culture trends and 11 million community members who are avid digital and physical pop culture collectors, Hot Topic is ideally positioned to take Web3 to a broader audience.”

It adds that The Gimmicks has had more than one million on-chain interactions since launch, and has “proven the power of Web3 to engage audiences using the latest in blockchain technology”.

The partnership will see Toonstar launch NFT sales and unlock the redemption of physical NFT merch in-store, launch community driven Web3 projects at retail starting with The Gimmicks, and curate exclusive Web3 activations for consumers' favourite Hot Topic brands to encourage participation and ownership.

“We’re on a mission to bring Web3 into the mainstream, and there is no better partner to make this happen with than Hot Topic,” says John Attanasio, CEO and Co-founder, Toonstar.

“Entering the retail market is a huge leap forward for Web3 adoption. And with this partnership, buying an NFT will now be as easy as buying a t-shirt, opening the door to millions of new creators and owners.”

“We strive to be the leaders in building fan communities and offering these fans the best products possible,” says Steve Vranes, CEO, Hot Topic.

“Toonstar has the same goals in the digital world, and together we look forward to building the most innovative and engaging fan-based digital products and communities in a Web3 environment.”

Staff WriterToonstar, Hot Topic, NFTs, Web3, Metaverse, The Gimmicks, San Diego Comic-Con, Stores, US retailComment