Ulta Beauty Closing: Why Stores Are Shutting Down and What It Means for Customers
Popping into Target for paper towels and walking out with a new eyeshadow palette from the Ulta section was a dangerous kind of fun. So when I started hearing about Ulta Beauty closing those little shop-in-shops, I felt a tiny pang of loss.
But before you assume is Ulta going out of business and start stockpiling dry shampoo, let’s break down what’s really happening.
Ulta Beauty Closing Overview
What Is Happening With Ulta Beauty Stores
The short version: Ulta is pulling out of about 600 Target locations by August 2026. That partnership? Done. But don’t mix this up with Ulta closing its standalone stores – those aren’t going anywhere. This is specifically about the mini Ulta shops inside Target.
Latest News About Ulta Beauty Closures
Announced in August 2025, the decision came as both companies pivoted. Target’s foot traffic has been shaky (thanks, inflation and online shopping), and Ulta is doubling down on its own digital game. Ulta stores closing inside Target isn’t a bankruptcy move – it’s a strategic breakup.
How Many Stores Are Closing
Approximately 600 locations. That’s nearly a third of all Target stores in the U.S. So yeah, it’s a big number, but it’s not a mass Ulta Beauty store closures of freestanding Ulta shops.
Ulta Beauty Closing Reasons Explained
Changes in Retail Strategy
Ulta’s CEO has been clear: they want control over the full customer experience. Inside Target, they couldn’t offer services like brow shaping or hair touch-ups. Ulta business strategy now leans into experiential, full-service stores.
Declining Foot Traffic and Store Performance
Target has been feeling the squeeze – slower sales, consumer boycotts, and fewer spontaneous trips. That means fewer people walking past those bright Ulta closing locations. If a shop-in-shop isn’t performing, why stay?
Shift Toward Online Shopping
We’re all buying more stuff from our couches. Ulta online shopping is booming, and the company would rather invest in a killer app experience than pay rent inside another retailer’s slow store.
Impact of Partnerships and Business Decisions
The Target experiment started in 2021 with high hopes. But four years later, both agreed not to renew. Simple as that – no drama, just business.
Ulta Beauty Closing Locations and Affected Areas
Which Stores Are Closing
All Ulta at Target locations nationwide. Not all Targets had one – only about 600 did. So if your local Target has an Ulta, assume it’s on the Ulta closed locations list unless you hear otherwise.
Cities and Regions Impacted
Major metros like Chicago, LA, New York, Dallas, and Atlanta will see Ulta Beauty store closures 2026. Suburban Targets with lower foot traffic are especially hit.
How to Check if Your Local Store Is Closing
Target’s website and Ulta’s store locator will update as we get closer to August 2026. For now, assume that if it’s inside a Target, it’s on the chopping block.
Ulta Beauty Closing Timeline
When Closures Are Happening
The partnership ends in August 2026. But some Ulta Beauty closing may be earlier if leases or performance trigger it.
Key Dates and Phases
- August 2025: Announcement made.
- Late 2025–Mid 2026: Gradual phase-out.
- August 2026: Final goodbye.
Future Plans for Remaining Stores
Standalone Ulta stores stay open. In fact, they’ll get more love – think more services, events, and loyalty perks.
Ulta Beauty Closing Impact on Customers
What Happens to Loyalty Points and Rewards
Your Ultamate Rewards points are safe. They live on your Ulta account, not Target’s system. So, if you’re worried, is Ulta closing affecting them? Don’t be. Just shop at standalone stores or online.
Returns, Exchanges, and Gift Cards
Ulta items bought at Target? Returns will likely go through Ulta’s own stores or mail, not Target. Ulta retail news is still unfolding, but expect a minor hassle. Nothing lost – just an extra step.
Shopping Alternatives for Customers
- Ulta standalone stores (most areas have one nearby).
- Ulta.com or the app (free shipping over $35).
- Target beauty aisles (just no Ulta exclusives).
Ulta Beauty Closing Impact on Employees
Job Losses and Workforce Changes
Target employees who staffed those Ulta mini-shops will be reassigned or let go, depending on the store. Exact numbers aren’t out yet, but retail store shutdowns always sting.
Company Support and Transition Plans
Target says they’ll offer internal transfers where possible. Ulta might absorb some workers into near standalone stores.
Industry Impact on Retail Workers
This is another sign: beauty retail is shifting. Workers need digital skills and service expertise – not just stocking shelves. As Ulta closes mini locations, the message is clear: adapt or get left behind.
Ulta Beauty Closing vs Competitors
How Sephora and Other Retailers Are Performing
| Retailer | Store Strategy | Recent Performance |
| Ulta | Closing Target shops, doubling down on standalone + online | Stable, pivoting strategically |
| Sephora | Inside Kohl’s + freestanding | Mixed, Kohl’s traffic also down |
| Target Beauty | Back to basics (no Ulta) | Trying to recover |
Trends in the Beauty Retail Industry
Beauty industry trends for 2026: more TikTok shops, more direct-to-consumer, fewer middlemen. Physical stores must offer experiences, not just products.
Shift Toward E-Commerce Beauty Brands
Brands like Glossier, Rare Beauty, and Fenty are thriving online. Ulta vs Sephora? Both are playing catch-up to pure digital natives.
Ulta Beauty Closing Business Strategy and Future Outlook
Focus on Digital and Online Growth
Expect a better app, more virtual try-ons, and faster shipping. Ulta online shopping is now priority #1.
New Store Concepts and Optimization
Smaller, service-heavy stores in high-traffic areas. No more “store inside a store” trials for a while.
Long-Term Brand Strategy
Stay premium, stay experiential, and stop bleeding money on underperforming partnerships. Smart move, honestly.
Ulta Beauty Closing Customer Reactions
Social Media and Public Response
On Reddit and X (Twitter), fans are mostly confused. “Wait, is Ulta closed at my Target?” is the top question. Few are angry – mostly just bummed.
Customer Concerns and Feedback
Top worries: losing convenience, returns becoming messy, and whether Ulta close means fewer sales.
Brand Loyalty and Trust
Most loyalists don’t care where they buy – they just want their Tula and Drybar. Ulta isn’t losing sleep over this.
Ulta Beauty Closing: What It Means for the Beauty Industry
Changes in Retail Landscape
Retail store shutdowns of this scale inside big-box stores signal a larger shift: brands want direct relationships. No more hiding behind someone else’s real estate.
Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Brands
DTC beauty grew 24% last year. Expect more pop-ups, not permanent shop-in-shops.
Future of Physical Beauty Stores
They’ll survive, but only as playgrounds. Think lash bars, skincare clinics, and Instagrammable moments. Boring shelves won’t cut it.
Ulta Beauty Closing FAQs
Why is Ulta closing stores inside Target? Because the partnership wasn’t driving enough growth for either side. Simple math.
Absolutely not. They’re profitable and refocusing. Ulta going out of business is fake news.
Only the 600 shop-in-shop locations inside Target. Standalone Ulta stores closing? Zero (for now).
Yes! Ulta online shopping is open 24/7. Go wild.
