I've been a DW fan since NuWho started in 2005. Merchandise back then was not popular in the US unlike the UK where DW is a national treasure. Comic book stores and ThinkGeek weren't even into it yet. It was so scarce, it was really annoying. That's why the BBCAmerica catalogue was my friend. Anyway, it was only through the years that the merch began to increase and be more available in the US with all of that hitting its peak when Matt came into the picture. I mean, back in 2005, you say "TARDIS" and "Doctor Who" and majority of the people would look at you funny. Nowadays, it's more likely there's someone in the group that knows what you're talking about. I do miss the cult days but was happy for the merchandise proliferation.

I never even heard of Hot Topic till South Park made an episode about it and never even entered one till I walked past it in the mall last year and realized I glimpsed some DW merchandise. You bet I went back to check them out, . Oh and since I have a 13y/o neice, it's a place I go to now whenever she's here, .