Is Ulta Open On Memorial Day? Your Ultimate Beauty Shopping Guide

Memorial Day serves as the unofficial kickoff to the summer season in the United States. Beyond the parades, barbecues, and commemorative services, it is also one of the most significant weekends for retail therapy. For beauty enthusiasts, the question of whether Ulta Beauty is open on Memorial Day is paramount. Whether you are looking to restock your favorite sunscreen for the beach or hoping to snag a deal on a high-end palette, understanding the operational landscape of this beauty giant is essential for planning your holiday weekend.

Ulta Beauty typically remains open on Memorial Day. Unlike "major" holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, where the retailer often closes its doors to allow employees time with their families, Memorial Day is treated as a high-traffic shopping event. However, it is crucial to recognize that "open" does not always mean "standard hours." Most Ulta locations across the country operate on a holiday schedule, which often results in early closures or slightly later openings compared to a typical Monday.

As a seasoned expert in retail logistics and the beauty industry, I have observed that Ulta’s corporate policy allows for local flexibility. This means that while the company encourages stores to remain open to capitalize on holiday foot traffic, specific mall-based locations must adhere to the hours set by the mall management. If your local Ulta is situated within a major shopping center, their hours will likely mirror the mall’s holiday schedule, which frequently truncates evening hours, closing at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM instead of the usual 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM.

Navigating Ulta’s Memorial Day Hours and Local Variations

When planning your trip, the first step is to differentiate between standalone Ulta locations and those integrated into larger retail complexes. Standalone stores, often found in power centers or strip malls, have more autonomy over their operating hours. On Memorial Day, these locations typically open at their standard time—usually 10:00 AM—but may choose to close early to balance the cost of labor with the expected late-afternoon dip in holiday traffic.

For those shopping in major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you might find that flagship stores maintain longer hours to accommodate tourists and holiday travelers. Conversely, in smaller suburban markets, the "Sunday hours" rule often applies to Memorial Day. This means you should expect the store to operate roughly from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Always check the official Ulta Store Locator on their website or mobile app 24 to 48 hours before the holiday to get the most accurate, real-time data for your specific zip code.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the "Sephora at Kohl’s" or "Ulta at Target" partnerships have different rules. If you are looking for Ulta products within a Target store, you are subject to Target’s holiday hours, which are generally more expansive than standalone beauty boutiques. Target rarely closes or shortens hours significantly for Memorial Day, making it a reliable backup if your local standalone Ulta has already closed for the evening.

The Memorial Day Sale: What to Expect at Ulta

Memorial Day isn’t just a day for convenience shopping; it is a major promotional window for Ulta. Traditionally, the retailer uses this weekend to launch its "Summer Sale" or similar seasonal events. During this period, consumers can expect significant discounts on categories that align with the warmer weather. This includes heavy promotions on sun care, waterproof cosmetics, travel-sized essentials, and hair removal products. Expert shoppers know that this is the best time to buy "Jumbo" sized shampoos and conditioners, which frequently go on sale during the late May and June transition.

The Ultamate Rewards program plays a massive role in holiday shopping strategy. On Memorial Day, Ulta often runs "Point Multiplier" events. For instance, Platinum and Diamond members might earn 3x or 5x points on all purchases or specific brands. This turns a standard restock into a high-value transaction, allowing savvy shoppers to accrue enough points for $125 or more in "free" store credit later in the year. If you are planning a large purchase, such as a Dyson Airwrap or a high-end skincare regimen, timing it with these holiday point multipliers is the most efficient way to shop.

In addition to point multipliers, look out for "Gift with Purchase" (GWP) offers. Memorial Day often features multi-piece sample bags that are triggered by a minimum spend, usually around $50 to $80. These bags are a staple of the Ulta marketing machine and often include premium deluxe samples of new summer launches. Because these are "while supplies last," arriving early on Memorial Day or shopping the online presale starting the Sunday before is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss out on these high-value bundles.

Ulta Beauty Services on Memorial Day

One aspect of Ulta that sets it apart from many competitors is its full-service salon. The Salon at Ulta Beauty, the Benefit Brow Bar, and various skin treatment rooms are popular destinations for those wanting to freshen up their look for the summer. However, booking services on Memorial Day requires more foresight than simply walking in to buy a lipstick. While the retail floor is open, the service departments often operate with a skeleton crew or may have limited appointment slots available.

Service professionals, such as stylists and estheticians, often book up weeks in advance for holiday weekends. People want their hair colored or their brows shaped before heading to a holiday party or vacation. If you are hoping to get a service done on Memorial Day, I recommend booking at least two weeks out via the Ulta app. Be aware that some specialized services, like intensive chemical peels or extensive color corrections, might be restricted on holidays if the lead stylist is not on duty.

Moreover, check if there are any "service-only" promotions. Occasionally, Ulta will offer a discount on a specific service (like a deep conditioning treatment) when you purchase a related retail product. This is a common tactic used during the Memorial Day window to drive traffic to the back of the store. Just keep in mind that if the store closes early—say at 6:00 PM—the last salon appointment will likely be scheduled for no later than 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM to ensure the stylist can finish and clean their station before the doors lock.

Comparison: Retailer Availability on Memorial Day

To provide a broader context for your holiday errands, it is helpful to see how Ulta compares to other major retailers you might be visiting on the same day. While most big-box retailers remain open, some specialty services (like banks or post offices) will be closed.

Pros and Cons of Shopping at Ulta on Memorial Day

Pros

• Exclusive Sales: Memorial Day is a peak time for seasonal discounts and high-value "Gift with Purchase" bundles that aren't available during standard weeks.
• Point Multipliers: For Ultamate Rewards members, holidays are the best time to "bank" points by taking advantage of 2x, 3x, or 5x point promotions.
• Summer Readiness: It is the perfect deadline to grab SPF, waterproof makeup, and self-tanners before the June heat begins in earnest.
• Availability: Since Costco and some boutiques are closed, Ulta remains a reliable destination for high-end and drugstore beauty needs.

Cons

• Crowds: As a major shopping holiday, expect long lines at the checkout and a crowded "prestige" section, especially in the afternoon.
• Reduced Service Availability: Getting a last-minute salon or brow appointment is nearly impossible without a prior booking.
• Inconsistent Hours: The lack of a uniform closing time across all 1,300+ stores can lead to frustration if you don't check your local store's specific schedule.
• Out-of-Stock Risk: Popular summer items (like specific shades of tinted moisturizer or viral sunscreens) can sell out quickly during holiday sales.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm Your Local Ulta's Hours

If you want to be 100% certain before leaving your house, follow this expert-verified process to check the operational status of your local Ulta Beauty:

1. Use the Ulta App: This is the most reliable method. Open the app, click on the "Store Locator," and allow it to use your current location. The app is updated directly by store management and will show "Holiday Hours" specifically for Memorial Day.
2. Google Maps "Live View": While Google usually updates holiday hours, look for the "Hours might differ" disclaimer. If the text is in orange, it hasn't been confirmed by the business. If it’s in green and says "Memorial Day Hours," it is likely accurate.
3. The "Call Ahead" Strategy: If you are looking for a specific product or service, call the store directly. Use the automated menu or speak to an associate. This also allows you to ask if a specific item is in stock, saving you a wasted trip if the holiday crowds have cleared the shelves.
4. Check Mall Websites: If your Ulta is inside a Simon, Westfield, or Brookfield mall, check the mall’s website. The entire mall usually operates under a single set of hours for Memorial Day, and Ulta must comply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ulta close early on Memorial Day?

Yes, many Ulta Beauty locations close earlier than their standard Monday hours. While a typical Monday might see a store open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, Memorial Day closures often happen at 6:00 PM. Always verify with the local store locator.

Can I use the "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) feature on Memorial Day?

Absolutely. BOPIS is a great way to secure holiday deals without having to navigate the crowds. However, keep in mind that "Ready for Pickup" emails might take longer to arrive due to high order volume and potentially reduced staffing. If you place an order late in the afternoon, it might not be ready until Tuesday morning.

Are the prices the same online and in-store on Memorial Day?

Generally, yes. Ulta maintains price parity across its channels. However, there are occasionally "Online Only" or "App Only" offers that coincide with the holiday. Conversely, some "Gift with Purchase" sets are physical-store exclusives.

Is the Benefit Brow Bar open during the holiday?

Most Benefit Brow Bars inside Ulta are open as long as the store is open, but they operate strictly by appointment on holidays. If the brow expert on duty has a full schedule, they will not be able to accept walk-ins.

What should I do if my local Ulta is closed?

If your standalone Ulta is closed or has already shut for the evening, your best bet is to visit a Target location that features an "Ulta at Target" section. Target stores stay open much later on Memorial Day and carry a curated selection of Ulta’s best-selling prestige brands.

Does Memorial Day count toward my Ultamate Rewards Diamond status?

Yes, every dollar spent on Memorial Day counts toward your annual spend requirements for Platinum ($500) or Diamond ($1,200) status. In fact, using holiday sales to hit these milestones is a common strategy for beauty enthusiasts.

Ready to refresh your beauty routine for the summer? Don't wait for the holiday rush to scramble for your essentials. Head over to the Ulta Beauty website right now to browse the latest Memorial Day deals, check your local store hours, and book your salon appointment before the calendar fills up. Whether you shop in-store or online, make sure you're logged into your Ultamate Rewards account to maximize your points and savings this holiday weekend!