50 Facts About Ulta Beauty

The Beginnings of Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty has grown into one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, but it had humble beginnings. Let's explore its early days and how it evolved over time.

1. Founding: Ulta Beauty was founded in 1990 by Richard E. George, the former President of Osco Drug, Inc., and Terry Hanson.
2. Initial Name: The company was initially called Ulta3 and was launched with five stores in Chicago suburbs in 1990.
3. Name Change: The name was changed from Ulta3 to Ulta at the end of 1999.
4. Mission: The company's mission is to provide beauty products and services that meet the needs of all guests.
5. Headquarters: Ulta Beauty is headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

Growth and Expansion

Ulta Beauty's journey from a small chain to a nationwide giant is fascinating. Here are some key milestones in its growth.

6. Public Trading: The company became publicly traded on the NASDAQ on October 25, 2007.
7. Distribution Centers: Ulta Beauty operates seven distribution centers across seven different states, with a second distribution center opened in Phoenix, Arizona in 2008.
8. Store Expansion: As of January 28, 2023, Ulta had some 1,355 stores across all 50 states with about 250 of those stores located inside Target stores.
9. Store Locations: The highest number of Ulta Beauty stores is found in California, with 168 retail locations.
10. Employee Base: In 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ulta employed approximately 44,000 people. As of 2021, the number decreased to about 37,000 employees.

Product Range and Services

Ulta Beauty is known for its wide variety of products and services. Let's dive into what they offer.

11. Product Range: Ulta Beauty offers a wide variety of products including makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances, nail products, bath and body products, and beauty tools.
12. Brands Offered: The company sells brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Kylie Cosmetics, ColourPop cosmetics, and many others.
13. Salon Services: Each Ulta Beauty location has a beauty salon available to the public, offering services like hair, skin, and brow services.
14. Revenue Growth: In the first quarter ending in May 2014, Ulta Beauty reported sales of $713.8 million. By the end of the second quarter in August 2014, total sales increased by 22.2 percent, with comparable store sales increasing by 9.8 percent.
15. Store Presence: As of 2019, Ulta had stores in 48 states, with a majority located on the East Coast and in California.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

Ulta Beauty has formed strategic partnerships and initiatives to enhance its market presence and social responsibility.

16. Target Partnership: In August 2021, the retail chain Target started selling Ulta’s products.
17. 15 Percent Pledge: Ulta joined the 15 Percent Pledge, which dedicates more store shelf space to Black-owned businesses.
18. Allure Collaboration: On July 8, 2022, Ulta announced its collaboration with Allure to bring a collection of its 25,000 products to Allure’s online and offline stores. The collaboration included brands like Fenty Beauty, Drybar, Olaplex, Tula, The Ordinary, Peter Thomas Roth, CosRX, NYX, Morphe, and Beekman 1802 selected by Ulta’s merchandising team.

Leadership and Management

The leadership at Ulta Beauty has played a crucial role in its success. Here are some key figures and changes over the years.

19. Richard E. George: Left Ulta3 in 1995.
20. Terry Hanson: Became the company’s Chief Executive Officer after George left.
21. Lyn Kirby: Became President and Chief Executive Officer in December 1999.
22. Charles “Rick” Weber: Became Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer in December 1999.
23. Mary Dillon: Appointed as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors on June 24, 2013, effective July 1, 2013.
24. Carl “Chuck” Rubin: Appointed as Chief Operating Officer, President, and a member of the Board of Directors in 2010.

Employee and Store Information

Ulta Beauty's workforce and store operations are essential to its success. Here are some details about their employees and stores.

25. Employee Data: As of 2021, Ulta employs approximately 37,000 people, down from 44,000 in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
26. Store Count: As of January 28, 2023, Ulta had some 1,355 stores across all 50 states with about 250 of those stores located inside Target stores.
27. Distribution Center Move: On January 1, 2024, Ulta Beauty began construction to move out from their first ever distribution center located in Romeoville, IL to their new Bolingbrook, IL building. Operations began on August 5, 2024.
28. Product Selection: The company continues to expand its product selection, offering over 20,000 beauty products from over 500 brands.
29. Store Locations by State: The highest number of Ulta Beauty stores is found in California, with 168 retail locations.
30. Store Locations by Region: A majority of Ulta Beauty stores are located in the East Coast region and in California.

Hiring and Employee Qualities

Ulta Beauty looks for specific qualities in its employees and has a structured hiring process. Here's what you need to know.

31. Employee Qualifications: Generally, Ulta Beauty requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and any relevant experience or qualifications for the role you are applying for.
32. Hiring Process: The hiring process typically includes an initial phone screening, an in-person interview, and a background check. Depending on the role, additional assessments or reference checks may be required.
33. Job Opportunities: Ulta Beauty offers a variety of job opportunities in the beauty industry, including Beauty Advisor, Fragrance Advisor, Salon Manager, Salon Stylist, Salon Assistant, Store Manager, Cashier, Merchandiser, Stocker, Receiving Associate, Distribution Center Associate, and eCommerce Operations Associate.
34. Employee Qualities: Ulta Beauty is looking for employees who are passionate about beauty, have excellent customer service skills, can work well with others, demonstrate professionalism, are flexible, reliable, punctual, and honest.

Store Operations and Financial Performance

Ulta Beauty's store operations and financial performance are key to its success. Here are some insights.

35. Store Operations: Each location features full-service salons and offers a wide variety of products including makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances, nail products, bath and body products, and beauty tools.
36. Financial Performance: In the first quarter ending in May 2014, Ulta Beauty reported sales of $713.8 million. By the end of the second quarter in August 2014, total sales increased by 22.2 percent, with comparable store sales increasing by 9.8 percent.
37. Store Expansion Strategy: The company continues to expand its store presence across the United States, with a focus on strategic locations to meet customer needs.
38. Partnerships and Collaborations: Ulta has collaborated with various brands and retailers to enhance its product offerings and reach a broader customer base.
39. Sustainability Efforts: While specific details about sustainability efforts are not provided in the sources, companies like Ulta often engage in initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility.

Customer Service and Employee Training

Ulta Beauty places a strong emphasis on customer service and employee training. Here's how they ensure a great shopping experience.

40. Customer Service: Ulta Beauty emphasizes the importance of customer service, ensuring that all employees are friendly, helpful, and provide excellent service to guests.
41. Employee Training: The company invests in employee training to ensure that all staff members are knowledgeable about the products and services offered, enabling them to provide better customer service.
42. Store Design: Each Ulta Beauty store is designed to provide an engaging shopping experience, with a layout that makes it easy for customers to find what they need.
43. Technology Integration: Ulta has integrated technology into its operations to enhance the shopping experience, including online shopping options and digital tools for employees.
44. Community Involvement: Ulta Beauty engages in various community programs and initiatives to support local communities and promote social responsibility.

Employee Benefits and Store Layout

Ulta Beauty offers competitive benefits and has a well-thought-out store layout. Here's what you need to know.

45. Employee Benefits: The company offers competitive employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks to attract and retain top talent.
46. Store Layout: Each store features a mix of high-end and drugstore cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
47. Product Innovation: Ulta continuously innovates its product offerings by introducing new brands and products, ensuring that customers have access to the latest beauty trends.
48. Salon Services: The salons within Ulta Beauty stores offer a variety of services including haircuts, color treatments, waxing, and skincare treatments.
49. Online Presence: Ulta has a strong online presence, offering e-commerce services that allow customers to shop from the comfort of their homes.
50. Customer Loyalty Programs: The company has implemented customer loyalty programs to reward repeat customers and encourage loyalty.

Ulta Beauty's Impact and Future

Ulta Beauty has grown from a small chain to a major player in the beauty industry. Founded in 1990 by Richard E. George and Terry Hanson, it now boasts over 1,355 stores across the U.S. The company offers a wide range of products, from high-end to drugstore brands, and provides salon services in each location. Ulta's partnership with Target and commitment to the 15 Percent Pledge show its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.

With a strong focus on customer service, product innovation, and community involvement, Ulta continues to set trends and meet customer needs. The company's future looks bright as it expands its distribution centers and enhances its online presence. Ulta Beauty remains a go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts, offering something for everyone. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, Ulta's commitment to quality and service shines through.