Ulta to double retail stores, shares jump 11%

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Oct 15, 2016

Ulta Beauty on Thursday held its Analyst and Investor Conference where it detailed growth opportunities in retail and e-commerce.

 
The company plans to increase its retail footprint to up to 1,700 stores, almost doubling its current number of stores, and will roll out a new store experience that will be complimented by e-commerce. E-commerce is intended to enhance the new in-store experience, which will feature an enhanced wall presentation and a Benefit Brow Bar.
 
The beauty retailer will also turn its attention to the digital and social arena to increase brand awareness and build on its millennial and teen demographic. The company added that it would expand on its brand partner relationships and push its prestige products, which have increased in demand to almost 60% in its fifth year.

Ulta updated its financial guidance for the third quarter and full year 2016 following a better-than-expected third quarter performance. Comparable sales for the third quarter are now expected to increase in range of 14% to 15% and full year comparable sales are expected to increase between 12% and 14%.
 
Following the updated guidance and investor conference, Ulta shares increased 11%.