ULTA sells a wide variety of cosmetics and beauty products in retail stores and online, focusing on convenience and “affordable indulgence.”
ULTA was founded in 1990 and currently is headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The impetus for creating the company was to consolidate the sales of mass products, prestige products, and professional hair care products into a single retail outlet for “one-stop” cosmetic shopping. Prior to that, shoppers had to buy mass beauty products at pharmacies, grocery stores, or other discount outlets. Prestige products were sold exclusively at department stores, and professional hair care products could be purchased only at beauty salons or authorized stores.
As of January 2010, ULTA operated 346 retail stores in 38 states. Each store is free standing (i.e. not part of a mall structure) and approximately 10,000 square feet, including the space for its beauty salons. The stores sell cosmetics, bath and body products, fragrance items, skin care products, hair care tools and products, and accessories. There are shaving, hair care, and other items specifically for men, and travel-size products.
Additional examples of products available in-store and online are gift sets, value cosmetic kits, carrying cases, candles and other home fragrances, spa and wellness items, and manicure/pedicure necessities. ULTA also boasts its own line of products. The salons offer haircuts, color, styling, waxing and other skin treatments, and makeup applications. The online salon pages describe the salons’ services, and they give advice and product recommendations.
The company has a loyalty rewards program, in-store and online promotions, gift certificates, and gift-with-purchase offers. Newspaper inserts and direct mailings highlight store sales and usually contain at least one coupon. Examples of discounts include 20% off any one item and $3.50 off a $10 purchase. (Certain restrictions apply. See coupons for details.)
There usually is at least one coupon code on the ULTA home page, as well as a link to the local store ads. The Sales section lists current sales, clearance items, and special offers, including buy one get one free or 50% off, as well as free gifts with purchase.
Customers can sign up by email to receive free gifts and special offers such as free shipping. Another perk is that free samples often are available with certain types of online orders.
ULTA operates two rewards programs: The Club at ULTA and ULTAmate Rewards.
The Club at ULTA is a free membership program for anyone age 13 and over. One can become a member either in-store or online. The program is not available in all areas, so shoppers can check availability online by entering their zip codes. Members earn rewards certificates up to four times per year based on the amount spent during an earning period. There are six levels of rewards certificates: Level 1 requires $50 in spending during the earning period, Level 2 requires $100 in spending, increasing by $50 increments up to Level 6, which requires $300 in spending. Rewards certificates can be used toward the purchase of products or salon services. The club’s Terms of Service state that only Level 5 and Level 6 rewards certificates may be redeemed for salon services.
The other rewards program, ULTAmate Rewards, also has free membership. Members earn points by shopping in retail stores or online. To earn points in the store, customers present their membership cards at checkout. During online checkout, customers enter their member numbers along with their billing information. By accumulating points, members receive special offers, coupons, and the opportunity to earn bonus points. Additionally, according to ulta.com, customers can become “platinum members” by spending $300 or more in a year. Platinum members receive additional bonus points, special events invitations, and exclusive salon offers.
There are many sites online with additional ULTA coupon codes and discounts:
- CouponCabin.com lists numerous in-store and online coupons, including free shipping.
- Dealigg.com lists several coupons, including online coupon codes and printable coupons for in-store use.
- DealTaker.com includes, for example, a code for $5 off $10 or more, and $20 off popular Chi flatirons.
Similar offers are available at MyCoupons.com, RetailMeNot.com, CouponAlbum.com, Savings.com, and UltimateCoupons.com. Read the fine print on all coupons, including online coupon codes, for restrictions and exclusions. Overall, ULTA has valuable offers and discounts on its many products.