Ulta Beauty to temporarily furlough store, salon associates

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many retailers are making important decisions regarding employees and the number of customers allowed in their stores.

Ulta Beauty is one of the many retailers who have shut their doors and will remain closed until it is safe to reopen, and in regards to that decision, announced that it will temporarily furlough several salon and store associates.

“As we navigate this very fluid situation, our teams are evaluating all new information, including recently passed legislation, to ensure we can make the best decisions for our associates, our guests and our business,” Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta Beauty, said. “After thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily furlough many of our store and salon associates. During these uncertain times, we will do all we can to make sure these associates are supported.”

The temporary furlough will be effective April 19 and, in the interim, associates affected will be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. Those enrolled in company benefit plans will remain enrolled in their respective coverages, the company said.

In addition, the retailer’s CEO has elected to indefinitely forgo her base salary and made a personal donation of $500,000 to the Ulta Beauty Associate Relief Program, which is part of the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation that provides monetary grants to associates facing personal hardship.

Associates working in the Ulta Beauty distribution centers will continue their operations to support the retailer’s e-commerce, and will see a $2-per hour wage increase for the efforts, the company said.

“As we move forward, we intend to stay true to our company values and work towards the day when we can reopen with the most strength and safety as possible,” Dillon said. “This means we will continue to make important decisions in an effort to support our business and, importantly, our teams. In these unprecedented times, we want to do our part to help the larger, global community and take care of our Ulta Beauty family. We are in this together.”

The retailer also is donating 450,000 medical-grade gloves from its salons to hospitals in need across the country in collaboration with FEMA.