Ulta Beauty completes phased reopening process amid COVID-19 pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues throughout the nation, Ulta Beauty is sharing continued updates to its operations.

For starters, the beauty retailer has now completed the phased reopening process of its stores.

In order to meet individual comfort levels, guests may still continue to shop via its curbside pickup, as well as the buy online and pick up in-store option that is currently available on Ulta.com, in the Ulta Beauty app and in physical stores.

“In navigating the fluid dynamics of COVID-19, we are keeping the safety of our guests and associates at the heart of every decision we make,” Mary Dillon, chief executive officer said. “In parallel, we are making decisions to ensure continued strength as an industry leader with an eye towards long-term growth.” 

Taking a note from several major retailers, Ulta Beauty also is joining the league of stores requiring guests and associates to wear facial coverings when in its stores. The policy goes in effect as of today, July 21, the company said.

Furloughed employees consistent with individual store operational needs also have been welcomed back to its workforce.

“Our differentiated operating model, strong brand, dedicated associates, and engaging guest experiences continue to reinforce our optimism in long-term opportunities to increase market share and expand our retail footprint over time,” continued Dillon. “We anticipate COVID-19 will influence longer-term market shifts and create new real estate opportunities, supporting our ambition to ultimately operate between 1,500 to 1,700 Ulta Beauty stores in the U.S. To do so, we are proactively optimizing our real estate portfolio and have made strategic decisions to temporarily reduce new store openings and close a limited number of stores this year. Overall, our real estate portfolio generates healthy returns, and this limited and targeted approach to closing stores will position Ulta Beauty for even stronger financial performance in the future.”

As of now, new store openings plans are being finalized for 2021, as well as its entry into Canada.

In addition, the company will be planning to close 19 stores in its second and third quarters, with the intention to reassign affected store and salon associates when possible, the retailer said.