In addition to curbside pickup, which was introduced over the last few weeks to about 700 of its stores, Ulta Beauty today announced plans to reopen stores in select markets.

“This Monday, we will reopen approximately 180 stores in select states. Our focus has been on how to reopen safely, not just when, throughout our preparation and planning,” said Ulta Beauty CEO, Mary Dillon.

Select stores reopening are located throughout Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. A number of these reopened locations will offer hair services with heightened safety protocols as well.

To create safer shopping environments in store, Ulta Beauty worked with government and health guidance to inform safety policies and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to collaborate across the industry and share best practices that inform how guests will experience shopping. These best practices include but are not limited to the following:

  • Face Coverings: All associates will wear face coverings in-store; Ulta Beauty asks all guests do the same while shopping.
  • Social Distancing: To limit contact without forgoing the unique Ulta Beauty experience, guests will find visual cues, such as signage or floor decals, to ensure six feet of separation are maintained. Additional measures include limited occupancy, safely-spaced registers with protective barriers, and options for contactless payment.
  • Salon Service Safety: By appointment only, hair services will be available in select stores. Safety measures for salon services include required face coverings for guests and associates, gloves for associates, increased laundering of capes and aprons, staggered stations to support social distancing, and added sanitization processes.
  • Testers: Product testers are not available for use in store. Open product is now for display only and guests will find signage throughout stores reinforcing the new policy. Products remain on display to showcase colors offered only and hand sanitizer continues to be readily available throughout the store.
  • In-Store Cleanliness: Ulta Beauty has increased protocols for regular cleaning and disinfecting public spaces throughout the day. For guests, additional hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout stores to reinforce best practices.
  • Associate Wellness: Asssociates will participate in mandatory wellness checks before the start of shifts, have physically rearranged breakrooms, and will learn and execute safety training on new policies.

“It is our responsibility to create store environments that are safe for our guests to enjoy the shopping experience and for our associates to work confidently. We look forward, with cautious optimism, to welcoming all back to Ulta Beauty,” said Mary.