Ulta Beauty's grand opening in Corbin, Kentucky exceeds expectations

Image Courtesy of SoutherLiving.com

Ulta Beauty made waves in the Corbin community by exceeding $1 million in sales projections just two months after its grand opening this July, outperforming well-established stores nationwide. 

The new location created 30 jobs in the Corbin area and brought increased foot traffic to nearby businesses. 

 The neighboring store, Belk, experienced this surge as well. Belk Manager Kim Bray stated, "There's been an influx of business" into their beauty department and other store sections.  

Merchandising Manager, Lucas Karr, 21, states that they "have done very well" and "are beating stretch goals with credit card sign-ups". He also feels like "there is a lot more traffic, but that might be hurting our competitors." 

 The store fosters an excellent environment for both customers and employees. "The culture is phenomenal, very supportive too," said Karr. "There are so many channels to get the information you need," he added. The store displays a sign that states, "hate has no home here." 

 The new location features a salon, makeup bar, and brow bar. Certified professionals offer hair, eyebrow, and makeup services using only in-store products to make post-service purchasing easier for customers. 

 Promotional efforts contributed to the store's success. The team rented a truck and drove it through the streets of London and Corbin, displaying the store's logo, operational hours, grand opening date, and a large Grand Opening sign in front of the store. 

 Employees handed out 20% off coupons throughout the community after the opening. They also distributed service discount coupons for the professional brow bar and beauty bar. 

 Karr provided insight into the store's customer demographics. Older customers, typically in their mid-30s and up, visit during the mornings, while a younger audience comes in the afternoons. Men also shop at the store, purchasing cologne and skincare products. 

 Karr manages all of the store's merchandising operations. He creates displays for new products, orders inventory, and itemizes stock. As one of the youngest managers in the store, he values engaging directly with customers. 

 Ulta Beauty offers a wide selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance products. The store carries luxury brands such as Dior, YSL, and Prada for makeup and fragrance. The store also offers name brands and its store brand at mid-level prices.  

Customers have had a positive response. Maison Dugger, age 22, says, "I really like having one so close to home," she is "extremely satisfied with all the different brands they carry".