Ulta opens first stores in Mexico — with more coming soon

A leading U.S. beauty retailer has made its international debut.

Ulta Beauty has expanded into Mexico, marking its first international brick-and-mortar locations. Ulta’s first store in Mexico opened on Aug. 21 at Antara Fashion Hall in Mexico City, followed by a location at Galerías Metepec in Metepec on Aug. 30.  

Seven additional locations are scheduled to debut across the country throughout the year. (See list of locations at end of article.) The stores are being developed in partnership with retail company Axo.

In an effort to “authentically reflect and celebrate the community it serves,” Ulta said it is spotlighting talent and creativity rooted in Latin America in its product mix. This includes formulas featuring ingredients native to Mexico, brands founded by Latinos  and paying tribute to beauty inspired by Latino culture, traditions and community.

Ulta first announced plans to enter the Mexican market last year. The expansion comes as Ulta is looking to grow on an international stage. In July, it said it had acquired British beauty retailer Space NK Limited, which operates 83 stores in the U.K. and Ireland along with its online platform. In the Middle East, Ulta plans to open stores across the region via a franchise partnership with Alshaya Group.