I have been a frequent customer with Ulta Beauty over the last few years. I do a lot of online shopping with them for both makeup and skincare items. What makes me a loyal customer are their affordability and friendly store atmosphere, but I was curious to know more about how this particular brand operates behind the scenes and what they value as a company. Founded in 1990 and with over 1,300 stores across the United States, Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the country.
When delving into Ulta’s social responsibility and sustainable business practices, I found them to be surprisingly consistent when it comes to embracing a safe work space for all employees, not to mention they do care about the environment. Making profits is not their only bottom line.
Ulta Beauty’s code of ethics is a standard that should be enforced in every business. In their own words and for the benefit of all employees, “We’re proud of our company. With a broad array of products and services, we offer guests unrivaled ways to feel beautiful. But it’s not only our products and services that make us their most loved beauty destination – it’s also the way we conduct business. Integrity inspires our actions and strengthens our reputation, not only with guests, but also with communities, partners, investors – and you. That’s why at Ulta Beauty, we live our values and work to do what’s right every day.”
Ulta Beauty states that if for any reason their code, policies or law are broken, they would encourage an associate to speak with their manager depending on the store location. If that manager is not being cooperative the associate is then encouraged to speak with another manager or a human resources partner. There is also an option to phone in the ethics hotline anonymously or call the “We Care! Let’s Talk” line to speak with a human resources team, in addition to emailing a chief compliance officer about any concerns. Termination would be imminent for any person(s) whom attempt to retaliate against any associate(s) filing a complaint or found to be going against the code of ethics. Ulta Beauty promotes an inclusive space for all employees with a speak up culture and zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination or violence. They only choose to do business with vendors, suppliers and other third-party organizations who share the same values as them.
In a world where reducing carbon footprint has now become more important than ever, Ulta Beauty works to ensure that their stores, distribution centers and corporate offices comply with carbon neutrality. Ulta Beauty has a partnership with Pact Collect, an organization that works to prevent the accumulation of hard-to-recycle beauty empties in landfills. So far with their help 14,800 tons of waste have been diverted from landfills. Customers are able to purchase clean, sustainable products from their Concious Beauty line in stores.
Not only does Ulta have an energy management system (EMS) that they have invested $1.6 million into, but they follow the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) standard in terms of air quality, energy-efficient lighting, temperature control and water usage (at hair salons) in stores. In their corporate offices they host electronic recycling drives, recommend paperless work practices, provide reusable coffee mugs and frequently upgrade recycling systems. Since 2018 they have been recognized as a Green Lease Leader by the Institution for Market Transformation and the US Department of Energy (DOE) for maintaining energy-efficient sustainable buildings. They have also raised charitable funds for Save the Children, Dress for Success and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
I think in order for them to continue to meet their goals of being environmentally green, they should eliminate plastic bags from retail stores and implement reusable bags, as well as recyclable brown boxes at their distribution centers for shipping and eliminate plastic in shipping supplies. Instead of just recommending their employees go paperless, it should be mandatory to work digitally only. More education for customers about recycling and encouragement to recycle items with every purchase would also be great.
Many would agree that standard business practice should include a safe, equal and fair work place for all employees, and should also make strides to be sustainable as part of corporate social responsibility, especially since our world now heavily depends on it. Ulta Beauty has proved that they care by putting their code of ethics in place to the benefit of all employees, being environmentally and economically responsible and making philanthropic efforts. As Ulta Beauty continues to expand with store locations nationwide, perhaps globally in the future, it is my hope that they will increase sustainability with said recommendations on bags, packaging and working digitally, and continue to grow positively as a business overall.
