Most Ulta Beauty locations are open on New Year's Day, though they typically operate on reduced hours. If you're planning to kick off the year by picking up skincare restocks or redeeming reward points, you can generally expect stores to welcome shoppers from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though some individual branches might open slightly earlier at 10:00 AM.
Holiday hours vary depending on corporate updates, regional weather conditions, and mall-specific regulations. It's smart to verify local schedules before heading out so you don't encounter locked doors.
Understanding Ulta Holiday Schedule Patterns
Ulta maintains a consistent corporate-owned structure across all of its retail branches, meaning holiday changes apply fairly uniformly across the country. Unlike franchise-heavy operations where independent owners choose their own hours, Ulta corporate sets strict guidelines for major calendar events.
The chain generally separates holidays into two distinct operational categories:
- Complete Closures: Days when corporate mandates that every single store nationwide remains closed. This strictly applies to Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Easter Sunday also sees widespread closures, though select non-mall locations might occasionally vary.
- Modified Operations: Days when stores remain open but operate on compressed schedules. New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July fall squarely into this group, allowing shoppers to maintain their routines with minor schedule adjustments.
What to Expect on January 1st
Walking into an Ulta store on the first day of the year feels entirely different from the frantic rush of Black Friday or Christmas Eve. Foot traffic is typically light, and salon services may run on modified availability depending on stylist staffing.
Store Hours and Timing
While standard operating hours on normal weekdays often run from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, New Year's Day compresses that window. Most doors open by 11:00 AM and lock up by 6:00 PM. If you need to make a quick return or pick up a specific foundation shade, visiting during the early afternoon works best.
Salon Services Availability
The The Salon at Ulta Beauty operates independently from the main retail floor regarding specialized staffing. On major holidays, salon availability depends heavily on whether licensed cosmetologists are scheduled to work. You'll want to call ahead if you're hoping for a blowout or color treatment on January 1st, as walk-in availability for services is rarely guaranteed.
How to Verify Your Local Store Hours
Checking online before you drive across town prevents wasted time. Corporate updates don't always reflect local adjustments driven by municipal ordinances or severe winter weather.
- Use the Store Locator: Navigate to the official Ulta Store Locator to look up your closest branch and view its specific holiday banner.
- Call Directly: Speak with an associate at the front desk to confirm whether salon services are running alongside retail operations.
- Check Shopping Center Rules: If your local Ulta sits inside an outdoor strip mall or enclosed shopping center, the mall's master holiday hours might override standard standalone hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shoppers often run into minor hiccups when navigating holiday retail schedules. Keep these pitfalls in mind to ensure a smooth trip:
- Assuming normal hours apply: Showing up at 9:00 AM expecting standard opening times means waiting in the parking lot for hours.
- Trusting third-party aggregators blindly: Old blog posts or unverified directory sites frequently list incorrect holiday timings. Always cross-reference with official channels.
- Ignoring regional weather impacts: If severe winter storms hit your region on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, corporate may authorize emergency early closures or delayed openings for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ulta stores open on New Year's Eve?
Yes, Ulta stores are open on December 31st, typically operating on shortened holiday hours from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM to let employees celebrate the evening.
Can I use coupons and rewards on New Year's Day?
All standard promotional offers, coupons, and Ultamate Rewards point redemptions remain fully active on New Year's Day, both in-store and online through the Ulta Beauty Website.
Are salon services available on January 1st?
Retail shopping is prioritized on New Year's Day, but salon availability varies by location. Calling your local store directly is the only way to confirm stylist availability for haircuts or color.
What holidays is Ulta completely closed?
Ulta stores close nationwide on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day every year. Most locations also remain closed on Easter Sunday.