Rumours are flying. You might have seen a headline or a social media post saying “Ulta Beauty closing!” If you’re a fan of their makeup, skincare, or that famous points system, your first thought was probably panic.
Don’t worry. Take a deep breath. Let’s clear things up.
The important thing to know is this: Ulta Beauty, the massive US chain, is not shutting down all of its stores. The company is doing well and is not going out of business.
Also Read: Is Half Magic Beauty the Key to Fantasy Makeup?
So, where did this scary rumour come from? And what does it mean for you, especially if you have points, a gift card, or a recent purchase you might need to return?
This guide will walk you through everything, step by step, in simple English. We’ll bust the myths and give you the facts you need to protect your money and shop with confidence.
The Truth Behind the “Ulta is Closing” Rumours
Let’s get straight to the point. The rumours are not true. Ulta Beauty is not closing its doors for good.
So, why are people saying it is?
- Some Stores Are Closing: Like any huge retailer, Ulta sometimes decides to close a small number of underperforming stores. This is normal business. A store in a quiet mall might close, while two new ones open in busier areas. This does not mean the whole company is in trouble.
- Theft Problems: You might have seen news about “retail theft” or “organized crime” affecting stores, including some Ulta locations. While this is a serious problem, it has not led to a mass closure of stores.
- Social Media Chinese Whispers: A post about one store closing can quickly get shared and changed until it sounds like the entire chain is shutting down. This is often how these false rumours start and spread.
The Bottom Line: Ulta Beauty has over 1,300 stores across the United States and is continuing to open new ones. Your access to your favourite brands is safe.
Also Read: My Experience with the Rare Beauty Lip Oil’s “Soft Pinch” of Color
Your Points are Precious: What Happens to Ultamate Rewards?
This is the biggest question for loyal shoppers. The Ultamate Rewards points system is one of the best in the business. The good news is, your points are almost certainly safe.
If a Single Store Closes Near You:
Your points are stored in your online account, not in the physical store. If your local Ulta closes, your points are completely safe. You can still use them:
- Online at ulta.com
- At any other Ulta Beauty location in the country
- To get discounts on future online orders
In the Very Unlikely Event of a Total Company Shutdown (Which is NOT Happening):
If a company ever does go out of business completely, customer loyalty points can sometimes be lost. This is a worst-case scenario that is not on the horizon for Ulta. However, it’s always a good general rule to use your points regularly rather than hoarding them for years. Don’t let them just sit there! Turn them into a free product you’ll love.
The Gift Card Guide: Don’t Lose Your Money
You have an Ulta Beauty gift card. It’s like free money! But what if the company disappeared? Again, this is not happening, but it’s smart to know the rules.
Your Gift Cards Are Safe Right Now
Because Ulta is not closing, your gift cards are 100% valid. You can use them in any store or online.
Smart Tips for Gift Card Owners (Always!)
- Spend It: The best thing to do with any gift card is to use it. Don’t leave it in a drawer for years. Treat yourself to that new palette or skincare set you’ve been eyeing.
- Keep the Details: Take a photo of the front and back of the gift card (covering the PIN code for security). This gives you proof of ownership if you lose the physical card.
- Check the Balance: You can always check your gift card balance online on their website or by asking in-store.
The Returns and Exchanges Policy: What You Need to Know
You bought a foundation that’s the wrong shade, or a moisturizer that irritated your skin. What happens if your local store closes?
Ulta’s Standard Policy is Generous
Ulta has a very good returns policy. You can return most new or gently used items within 60 days of purchase for a full refund.
If Your Local Store Closes
This is the most likely situation you might face. If the Ulta store you usually go to shuts down, you can still make returns and exchanges.
- Take it to Another Store: You can process your return at any other Ulta Beauty location. Just bring your product and your receipt (or the credit card you used to pay).
- Return by Mail: You can also start a return through your online account on ulta.com. They will give you a shipping label to send the item back.
Pro Tip: Always try to keep your receipt, either the paper one or the digital version in your email. It makes the return process much faster and easier, no matter which store you go to.
What About Online Orders?
Nothing changes here. Ulta’s online store is a huge part of its business. You can continue to shop online as usual, and your points, gift cards, and return policies work exactly the same way.
If you need to return an online order, you can do it by mail or at any physical Ulta store.
What About UK Shoppers?
This is a very important point for my readers in the UK. Ulta Beauty does not have any stores in the United Kingdom, and it does not ship directly to UK addresses.
So, if you are a UK beauty lover who has been buying Ulta products through a package forwarding service, the same rules apply. Your points and gift cards are managed through the US website. The “store closing” rumours do not affect your ability to shop online and have items forwarded to you.
For your alternative beauty fixes in the UK, you have amazing options like:
- Space NK
- Cult Beauty
- Lookfantastic
- Boots and Superdrug for wider drugstore and high-end selections.
Your Action Plan: A Simple Checklist
So, what should you do right now? Here’s a simple list.
- DON’T PANIC. Ulta Beauty is not going out of business.
- CHECK YOUR POINTS BALANCE. Log into your Ultamate Rewards account online.
- CONSIDER USING YOUR POINTS. Why not treat yourself? Points are for spending.
- FIND YOUR GIFT CARDS. If you have any, make a plan to use them.
- KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS. This is just a good habit for any shopping, especially for beauty products.
How to Stay Informed with Real Facts
It’s easy to get scared by online rumours. Here’s how to get the truth.
- Check the Official Source: The best place for information is always the company itself. Follow Ulta Beauty’s official Instagram account or check their website’s news section.
- Trust Major News Outlets: If something big really was happening, trusted news sources like the BBC or Reuters would report it. Don’t rely on a single, unverified social media post.
- Be a Smart Shopper: Remember that closing a handful of stores out of 1,300+ is a normal part of business and is not a sign of a company collapsing.
Conclusion: Shop On with Confidence
The “Ulta Beauty is closing” rumour is exactly that—a rumour. It’s been blown out of proportion and is causing unnecessary worry.
The facts are clear:
- Ulta Beauty is a healthy, successful company.
- Your Ultamate Rewards points are safe and ready to be spent.
- Your gift cards are still worth their full value.
- You can still return products, even if your local store closes.
So, you can relax. Your favourite beauty destination isn’t going anywhere. Now, the only decision you need to make is what to buy with all those points you’ve been saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. If my local Ulta store closes permanently, will I lose my Platinum or Diamond status?
No, your rewards status is tied to your online Ultamate Rewards account and your annual spending, not to a specific store location. Whether you shop online, at a different physical store, or through the app, all your purchases continue to count toward maintaining or achieving your status. The closure of one store does not impact the points or status you’ve already earned.
2. What specific steps should I take right now to protect my Ultamate Rewards points?
The most important step is to ensure your account information is up-to-date. Verify that the email address and phone number on file are correct so you receive all communications. While your points are safe, it’s always a good practice to use them rather than hoard enormous amounts, as all loyalty programs have terms and conditions that can change. You can redeem them online, in any other store, or use the “Buy Online, Pick Up In Store” (BOPIS) option at a different location.
3. Are Ulta gift cards protected by any consumer insurance if the company were to truly go bankrupt?
Generally, no. Gift cards are considered unsecured debt. If a company declares bankruptcy, gift card holders are often last in line to be repaid, behind banks, suppliers, and other creditors. It is highly unlikely you would recover the full value. This underscores why the current rumors are just rumors—Ulta is financially healthy, and your gift cards are currently perfectly safe to use and hold.
4. How can I verify if my specific local store is actually closing?
The most reliable source is Ulta Beauty’s official website. They typically post store-specific closure notices on the individual store’s webpage. You can also call your local store directly and ask a manager. Avoid relying on third-party “closing sale” websites, as these are often outdated or inaccurate. Official communication from Ulta via email or the app would also be a primary source for confirmed closures.
5. If I used points for a purchase and need to return it after my local store closes, do I get the points back?
Yes, you do. Ulta’s return system is integrated. When you process a return for an item purchased with points, the points are automatically credited back to your Ultamate Rewards account, regardless of which store you process the return at. The refund for points is handled separately from any monetary refund and will be restored to your account typically within 24-48 hours.
6. What happens to my ongoing salon appointments or services if my local store closes?
If a store is scheduled for closure, the salon team will typically contact all clients with existing appointments to either reschedule them before the closure date or help transfer them to a nearby Ulta location with a salon. It is crucial to ensure your contact information is correct in their booking system. If you hear a rumor, proactively call the salon to confirm their status.
7. I’m an Ulta credit card holder. How would a store closure affect my account and payments?
A store closure has no impact on your Comenity-branded Ulta Mastercard. Your credit account is managed separately from the retail stores. You continue to make payments as usual, and you can still earn points by using the card at other Ulta locations, online, or anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Your billing, customer service, and credit line remain entirely unchanged.
8. For a product I can only return to the store (not by mail), what are my options if my local store is the one closing?
While most items can be returned by mail, if you have a product that is restricted to in-store returns only, the solution is to visit any other Ulta Beauty store. The company’s return policy is universal across all its locations. Bring the product, the original packaging, and your receipt (or the card used for purchase) to the nearest alternative store, and they will be able to process the return for you.
9. How can I distinguish between a real Ulta closing sale and a fake liquidation event?
A genuine store closing sale will be announced through Ulta’s official channels. The discounts will be managed by Ulta corporate, often starting modestly (e.g., 20-30% off) and increasing as the closure date nears. Be wary of third-party liquidators advertising “everything must go” sales with extreme discounts—these are often unrelated to official Ulta operations and may sell outdated or final-sale goods.
10. As a UK shopper using a package forwarder, what is my biggest risk regarding Ulta’s stability?
Your primary risk is not Ulta’s financial health (which is stable) but the inherent complexity of your supply chain. Your concerns should be with your package forwarding service’s reliability, shipping costs, and policies. Since Ulta doesn’t ship internationally, any disruption would be on the forwarder’s end. Your Ulta points and gift cards are still tied to the robust US operation, so they remain safe assets for your US-based shopping needs.
