Ulta Beauty stores are closed nationwide on Thanksgiving Day. If you planned to pick up last-minute cosmetics, skincare, or holiday gifts on turkey day, you'll need to adjust your schedule. The nationwide beauty retailer keeps its physical doors shut to give employees time off with family, a policy the company has maintained since 2020.
Even though brick-and-mortar storefronts remain dark on Thursday, the digital storefront on the Ulta Official Website stays open 24/7. Shoppers can browse online sales, secure early promotions, and place app orders throughout the holiday. This guide breaks down what you need to know about holiday closures, online availability, and how to maximize your savings over the holiday weekend.
Understanding Ulta Thanksgiving Closures
When planning a holiday shopping trip, knowing which national chains stay open helps prevent wasted fuel. Ulta joins major department stores and competing beauty retailers by keeping physical locations locked down on Thanksgiving.
Employees get a mandatory day of rest, meaning you won't find open registers or working salon services anywhere from coast to coast. This closure applies to all standard corporate stores as well as mini-shops located inside partner locations, such as Target.
Why Ulta Keeps Doors Shut on Turkey Day
The decision to close on Thanksgiving stems from a broader retail shift that started gaining momentum years ago. Retailers realized that keeping stores staffed on a major family holiday created logistical headaches and low customer foot traffic compared to online channels.
Locking the doors allows staff to recharge before the massive rush of Black Friday weekend. For beauty enthusiasts, it means planning ahead if you need specific foundation shades, hair tools, or signature holiday fragrance sets before Thursday evening.
Black Friday Hours and Reopening Schedules
While physical stores sit empty on Thursday, they spring back to life bright and early on Friday morning.
- Thursday (Thanksgiving): Fully closed nationwide. No in-store shopping or salon appointments available.
- Friday (Black Friday): Stores typically open early, often around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM local time, depending on regional mall guidelines and standalone storefront hours.
- Saturday and Sunday: Regular operating hours resume across all standard locations.
Checking your local store locator before heading out remains essential. Certain shopping centers or outdoor lifestyle plazas dictate distinct opening times that override corporate defaults.
Navigating Online Deals While Stores Are Closed
Just because the physical aisles are off-limits doesn't mean you miss out on savings. In fact, some of the steepest discounts drop online before the sun rises on Friday.
Web and App Shopping Strategies
Digital shoppers get full access to the Ulta Black Friday Hub starting well in advance of the holiday. Early-bird price drops often go live mid-week or on Thanksgiving morning itself.
- Download the App: App users frequently get early access windows or exclusive coupon codes that don't appear on the main desktop site.
- Stack Your Rewards: Make sure you're logged into your Ultamate Rewards account to rack up extra points on holiday purchases. Points convert directly into dollars off future beauty hauls.
- Watch for Free Gifts: Minimum spend thresholds during holiday weeks unlock massive multi-item sampler bags. Keep items in your cart ready to hit those exact dollar amounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Holiday Shopping
Navigating holiday retail rushes can lead to costly errors if you aren't paying attention. Avoiding a few common missteps saves both time and money.
Don't wait until Thursday afternoon to check your makeup stash if you need items for a holiday party. Buying essential items a week early prevents scrambling when you realize local storefronts are locked tight.
Another frequent mistake involves ignoring inventory shifts. Popular brands like Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, and Tarte sell out fast online during holiday promotions. If you spot a must-have gift set on sale Wednesday night, check out immediately rather than risking stock depletion by Friday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up an online order on Thanksgiving Day?
No. Because physical stores are completely closed, curbside pickup and in-store pickup options are paused for the day. Any orders placed online on Thursday will be processed when employees return on Friday morning.
Are the salon services inside Ulta open on holidays?
The salon brow, hair, and skin services follow the exact same schedule as the retail store. If the retail floor is closed, the salon stylists are off, and no appointments can take place.
When do the actual Black Friday sales start?
Digital sales usually kick off several days before Thanksgiving, with peak doorbusters rolling out online on Thanksgiving Day and continuing through the weekend. Physical store sales begin the moment doors unlock on Friday morning.
Do Ultamate Rewards points expire during the holidays?
Regular points expiration rules apply, but the holiday season is actually one of the best times to redeem stacked points for expensive luxury palettes or Dyson hair tools without paying out of pocket.
