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Ulta Beauty vs Target 2026 | Beauty Selection & Pricing
Ulta Beauty is a specialized beauty retailer with 1,400+ stores focusing exclusively on cosmetics, skincare, and haircare from 500+ brands, while Target is a general merchandise department store with 1,950+ locations that carries beauty products alongside clothing, household items, and groceries. Ulta offers deeper beauty selection and expert staff, while Target provides one-stop shopping convenience and lower prices on many items.
Ulta Beauty
Specialty beauty retailer with 1,400+ US stores featuring 500+ brands and expert consultants
Beauty enthusiasts, professionals needing specialty brands, customers seeking expert guidance, those wanting concentrated beauty selection
Score71%
VS
T
Target
General merchandise retailer with 1,950+ US stores offering beauty products alongside apparel, home goods, and groceries
Budget-conscious shoppers, families needing multiple categories, convenience-focused consumers, those seeking everyday affordable beauty
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryUlta Beauty is a specialized beauty retailer with 1,400+ stores focusing exclusively on cosmetics, skincare, and haircare from 500+ brands, while Target is a general merchandise department store with 1,950+ locations that carries beauty products alongside clothing, household items, and groceries. Ulta offers deeper beauty selection and expert staff, while Target provides one-stop shopping convenience and lower prices on many items.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Ulta Beauty if you want expert beauty advice, luxury brand access, specialized skincare consultations, and deeper product selection across 500+ brands—ideal for beauty enthusiasts and those seeking professional guidance. Choose Target if you need convenient one-stop shopping for beauty plus groceries, clothing, and household items at lower price points, or if you value broader shopping flexibility and everyday value pricing.
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Ulta Beauty
7.3/10
Target
7.7/10
T
Choose Ulta Beauty if
Beauty enthusiasts, professionals needing specialty brands, customers seeking expert guidance, those wanting concentrated beauty selection
T
Choose Target if
Best pickBudget-conscious shoppers, families needing multiple categories, convenience-focused consumers, those seeking everyday affordable beauty
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Store Count (US):✓ Target wins(1,950+ stores vs 1,400+ stores)
- Primary Category Focus:✓ Ulta Beauty wins(Beauty-only specialist (95% of inventory) vs General merchandise (beauty ~8% of inventory))
- Brand Selection in Beauty:✓ Ulta Beauty wins(500+ brands including luxury lines vs 150-200 brands, mostly mass-market)
Key Facts & Figures
59 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Ulta Beauty | Target | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total US Store Locations(stores) | 1,400 stores | 1,900 stores | |
| Beauty Product Selection(products) | 25,000+ products | 2,500 products | |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ brands | 75 brands | |
| Loyalty Program Members(members) | 40 million (Ultamate) | 50+ million (RedCard) | |
| Average Beauty Product Markup(%) | 12-15% higher than Target | Baseline | |
| Same-Day Pickup Speed(hours) | 2 hours (most locations) | 2 hours (most locations) | |
| Annual Revenue (2023)(USD billion) | $10.2 billion | $108 billion | |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 1,300+ | — | — |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ | — | — |
| Beauty Product SKUs(products) | 25,000+ | — | — |
| Loyalty Rewards Rate(%) | 1.25% all purchases | — | — |
| Premium Brand Exclusivity(brands) | 80+ premium/luxury brands | — | — |
| Average Distance to Store(miles) | 8.2 miles (avg urban) | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $10.2B | — | — |
| Total Store Locations(locations) | 1,400+ | — | — |
| Beauty Brand Variety(brands) | 500+ | — | — |
| Luxury Brand Availability(brands) | 100+ (MAC, Dyson, Charlotte Tilbury, etc.) | — | — |
| Ultamate/ExtraCare Rewards Rate(percent cashback) | 1.25% standard, 3.5% on prestige | — | — |
| In-Store Makeup Consultation Services(locations offering) | 800+ locations | — | — |
| Free Shipping Threshold(USD) | $35 or more | — | — |
| Online-to-Store Pickup Speed(hours) | Same-day in select areas | — | — |
| Number of US Physical Locations(stores) | 1,400+ | 1,950+ | |
| Brand Partnerships in Beauty(brands) | 500+ | 150-200 | |
| Average Beauty Product Price Point(USD) | $65-85 average transaction | $25-40 average transaction | |
| Loyalty Rewards on Beauty Purchases(points per dollar) | 1.25X points multiplier | 1% cash back (Red Card) | |
| 2024 Total Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $13.1B | $108B | |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $110 Billion | $110 Billion | |
| US Stores | ~1,950 | ~1,950 | |
| Average Price Premium vs Market Baseline(%) | 0% | 0% | |
| Organic Product Coverage(%) | 18% | 18% | |
| US Physical Store Locations(stores) | 1,950 | 1,950 | |
| Prime Member Discount on Select Items(%) | 0% | 0% | |
| RedCard/Loyalty Discount Rate(%) | 5% | 5% | |
| Product Categories Available(count) | 12+ (groceries, apparel, home, electronics, beauty, toys, etc.) | 12+ (groceries, apparel, home, electronics, beauty, toys, etc.) | |
| Average Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 3.8 | 3.8 | |
| Year Acquired by Parent Company(year) | Publicly traded (founded 1962) | Publicly traded (founded 1962) | |
| Total Product Selection(SKUs) | ~400,000 | ~400,000 | |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 1,950+ | 1,950+ | |
| Furniture Customization Variations Per Item(options) | 2-4 | 2-4 | |
| Free Shipping Minimum(USD) | $35 (RedCard) / $75 (standard) | $35 (RedCard) / $75 (standard) | |
| Standard Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (in-store pickup) or 2-3 days (delivery) | 1-2 days (in-store pickup) or 2-3 days (delivery) | |
| Same-Day Delivery Availability(zip codes) | 2,000+ | 2,000+ | |
| Standard Return Window(days) | 30-120 days (varies by category) | 30-120 days (varies by category) | |
| Home Furnishings SKU Count(items) | ~15,000 | ~15,000 | |
| Average Sofa Price(USD) | $399-599 | $399-599 | |
| Furniture Assembly Time (Average)(minutes) | 15-30 minutes | 15-30 minutes | |
| Number of Stores (US)(locations) | 1,948 locations | 1,948 locations | |
| Grocery & Food Items Available(SKUs) | 3,500 items | 3,500 items | |
| Furniture Category Options(categories) | 15 categories | 15 categories | |
| Same-Day Delivery Coverage(% of US population) | 78% | 78% | |
| Average Store Size(square feet) | 130,000 sq ft | 130,000 sq ft | |
| Return Policy Window(days) | 120 days (REDcard members) | 120 days (REDcard members) | |
| Store Locations (US)(stores) | 1,948 | 1,948 | |
| Electronics SKU Selection Per Store(average products) | 500 | 500 | |
| Return Window(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Loyalty Program Discount(percent off) | 5% with RedCard | 5% with RedCard | |
| Same-Day Pickup Availability(hours for pickup) | Same-day (varies by location) | Same-day (varies by location) | |
| Product Categories Offered(major categories) | Apparel, home, grocery, beauty, electronics | Apparel, home, grocery, beauty, electronics | |
| Average Electronics Price Competitiveness(price index) | 97 (5% lower with RedCard) | 97 (5% lower with RedCard) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Ulta Beauty leads1 tie
T
2TargetUlta Beauty
Attribute
Target
- 1,400+ storesStore Count (US)1,950+ stores(winner)
- Beauty-only specialist (95% of inventory)(winner)Primary Category FocusGeneral merchandise (beauty ~8% of inventory)
- 500+ brands including luxury lines(winner)Brand Selection in Beauty150-200 brands, mostly mass-market
- $65-85Average Beauty Transaction Ticket$25-40
- 1.25X points on beauty purchases(winner)Loyalty Program Rewards Rate1% cash back on most purchases
- $13.1 billionAnnual Revenue (2024)$108 billion(winner)
- Makeup application, consultations at 80% of stores(winner)In-Store Beauty ServicesLimited services at select locations
- Store Count (US)
Ulta Beauty
1,400+ stores
Target
1,950+ stores(winner)
- Primary Category Focus
Ulta Beauty
Beauty-only specialist (95% of inventory)(winner)
Target
General merchandise (beauty ~8% of inventory)
- Brand Selection in Beauty
Ulta Beauty
500+ brands including luxury lines(winner)
Target
150-200 brands, mostly mass-market
- Average Beauty Transaction Ticket
Ulta Beauty
$65-85
Target
$25-40
- Loyalty Program Rewards Rate
Ulta Beauty
1.25X points on beauty purchases(winner)
Target
1% cash back on most purchases
- Annual Revenue (2024)
Ulta Beauty
$13.1 billion
Target
$108 billion(winner)
- In-Store Beauty Services
Ulta Beauty
Makeup application, consultations at 80% of stores(winner)
Target
Limited services at select locations
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Ulta Beauty | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Total US Store Locations(stores) | 1,400 stores | 1,900 stores(winner) |
| Beauty Product Selection(products) | 25,000+ products(winner) | 2,500 products |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ brands(winner) | 75 brands |
| Loyalty Program Members(members) | 40 million (Ultamate) | 50+ million (RedCard)(winner) |
| Average Beauty Product Markup(%) | 12-15% higher than Target | Baseline(winner) |
| Average Beauty Product Price Point(USD) | $65-85 average transaction | $25-40 average transaction(winner) |
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $99 per year | — |
| Average Price Premium vs Market Baseline(%) | 0% | — |
| Average Sofa Price(USD) | $399-599 | — |
Show 2 more attributesLoyalty Program Discount(percent off) 5% with RedCard — Average Electronics Price Competitiveness(price index) 97 (5% lower with RedCard) — | ||
| In-Store Professional Services(service types) | Hair salon, makeup counter, brow bar, lash services(winner) | Optical services only |
| In-Store Beauty Services(null) | Makeovers, consultations, salon (400+ locations) | — |
| In-Store Makeup Consultation Services(locations offering) | 800+ locations | — |
| Pharmacy Services Available(yes/no) | No | — |
| In-Store Tech Support Service(text) | None (general customer service only) | — |
| Same-Day Pickup Speed(hours) | 2 hours (most locations) | 2 hours (most locations) |
| Same-Day Pickup Availability(hours for pickup) | Same-day (varies by location) | — |
| Annual Revenue (2023)(USD billion) | $10.2 billion | $108 billion(winner) |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $10.2B | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $110 Billion | — |
| Annual Revenue(billions USD) | $110+ billion | — |
| Market Capitalization(trillions USD) | $65 billion | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 1,300+ | — |
| Physical Store Locations(count) | 1,948 Target stores | — |
| Physical Store Locations(stores) | 1,950+ | — |
| Number of Stores (US)(locations) | 1,948 locations | — |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ | — |
| Beauty Product SKUs(products) | 25,000+ | — |
| Brand Partnerships in Beauty(brands) | 500+(winner) | 150-200 |
| Luxury/Prestige Beauty Brand Access(availability) | Full access (Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder, MAC, Urban Decay) | Limited access (mostly drugstore brands like Maybelline, Neutrogena) |
| Grocery & Food Items Available(SKUs) | 3,500 items | — |
Show 2 more attributesFurniture Category Options(categories) 15 categories — Electronics SKU Selection Per Store(average products) 500 — | ||
| Loyalty Rewards Rate(%) | 1.25% all purchases | — |
| Loyalty Rewards on Beauty Purchases(points per dollar) | 1.25X points multiplier(winner) | 1% cash back (Red Card) |
| Premium Brand Exclusivity(brands) | 80+ premium/luxury brands | — |
| Average Distance to Store(miles) | 8.2 miles (avg urban) | — |
| US Physical Store Locations(stores) | 1,950 | — |
| Total Store Locations(locations) | 1,400+ | — |
| Beauty Brand Variety(brands) | 500+ | — |
| Luxury Brand Availability(brands) | 100+ (MAC, Dyson, Charlotte Tilbury, etc.) | — |
| Product Categories(count) | 12+ major categories with 40M+ items | — |
| Product Categories Available(count) | 12+ (groceries, apparel, home, electronics, beauty, toys, etc.) | — |
| Total Product Selection(SKUs) | ~400,000 | — |
Show 2 more attributesFurniture Customization Variations Per Item(options) 2-4 — Home Furnishings SKU Count(items) ~15,000 — | ||
| Ultamate/ExtraCare Rewards Rate(percent cashback) | 1.25% standard, 3.5% on prestige | — |
| Free Shipping Threshold(USD) | $35 or more | — |
| Online-to-Store Pickup Speed(hours) | Same-day in select areas | — |
| Number of US Physical Locations(stores) | 1,400+ | 1,950+(winner) |
| In-Store Beauty Expert Services(store coverage) | 80% of stores have trained beauty consultants(winner) | Minimal services at select urban locations only |
| Average Delivery Speed(days) | Same-day pickup or 1-2 days | — |
| Return Window(days) | 60-90 days (Circle members get 90) | — |
| Standard Return Window(days) | 30-120 days (varies by category) | — |
| Return Policy Window(days) | 120 days (REDcard members) | — |
| 2024 Total Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $13.1B | $108B(winner) |
| Same-Day Fulfillment Services(service types) | Buy online, pickup in 2 hours at select stores | Buy online, pickup (2 hours), drive-up, same-day delivery |
| US Stores | ~1,950 | — |
| Prime/Membership Members(millions) | 60+ million Circle members (estimated) | — |
| Organic Product Coverage(%) | 18% | — |
| Prime Member Discount on Select Items(%) | 0% | — |
| RedCard/Loyalty Discount Rate(%) | 5% | — |
| Average Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 3.8 | — |
| Year Acquired by Parent Company(year) | Publicly traded (founded 1962) | — |
| Free Shipping Minimum(USD) | $35 (RedCard) / $75 (standard) | — |
| Standard Delivery Time(days) | 1-2 days (in-store pickup) or 2-3 days (delivery) | — |
| Same-Day Delivery Availability(zip codes) | 2,000+ | — |
| Furniture Assembly Time (Average)(minutes) | 15-30 minutes | — |
| Same-Day Delivery Coverage(% of US population) | 78% | — |
| Average Store Size(square feet) | 130,000 sq ft | — |
| Store Locations (US)(stores) | 1,948 | — |
| Return Window(days) | 30 days | — |
| Product Categories Offered(major categories) | Apparel, home, grocery, beauty, electronics | — |
Ulta BeautyTTarget
Total US Store Locations(stores)
1,400 stores
1,900 stores
Beauty Product Selection(products)
25,000+ products
2,500 products
Beauty Brands Carried(brands)
500+ brands
75 brands
Loyalty Program Members(members)
40 million (Ultamate)
50+ million (RedCard)
Average Beauty Product Markup(%)
12-15% higher than Target
Baseline
Average Beauty Product Price Point(USD)
$65-85 average transaction
$25-40 average transaction
Annual Membership Cost(USD)
$99 per year
—
Average Price Premium vs Market Baseline(%)
0%
—
Average Sofa Price(USD)
$399-599
—
Show 2 more attributes
Loyalty Program Discount(percent off)
5% with RedCard
—
Average Electronics Price Competitiveness(price index)
97 (5% lower with RedCard)
—
In-Store Professional Services(service types)
Hair salon, makeup counter, brow bar, lash services
Optical services only
In-Store Beauty Services(null)
Makeovers, consultations, salon (400+ locations)
—
In-Store Makeup Consultation Services(locations offering)
800+ locations
—
Pharmacy Services Available(yes/no)
No
—
In-Store Tech Support Service(text)
None (general customer service only)
—
Same-Day Pickup Speed(hours)
2 hours (most locations)
2 hours (most locations)
Same-Day Pickup Availability(hours for pickup)
Same-day (varies by location)
—
Annual Revenue (2023)(USD billion)
$10.2 billion
$108 billion
Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions)
$10.2B
—
Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$110 Billion
—
Annual Revenue(billions USD)
$110+ billion
—
Market Capitalization(trillions USD)
$65 billion
—
US Store Locations(stores)
1,300+
—
Physical Store Locations(count)
1,948 Target stores
—
Physical Store Locations(stores)
1,950+
—
Number of Stores (US)(locations)
1,948 locations
—
Beauty Brands Carried(brands)
500+
—
Beauty Product SKUs(products)
25,000+
—
Brand Partnerships in Beauty(brands)
500+
150-200
Luxury/Prestige Beauty Brand Access(availability)
Full access (Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder, MAC, Urban Decay)
Limited access (mostly drugstore brands like Maybelline, Neutrogena)
Grocery & Food Items Available(SKUs)
3,500 items
—
Show 2 more attributes
Furniture Category Options(categories)
15 categories
—
Electronics SKU Selection Per Store(average products)
500
—
Loyalty Rewards Rate(%)
1.25% all purchases
—
Loyalty Rewards on Beauty Purchases(points per dollar)
1.25X points multiplier
1% cash back (Red Card)
Premium Brand Exclusivity(brands)
80+ premium/luxury brands
—
Average Distance to Store(miles)
8.2 miles (avg urban)
—
US Physical Store Locations(stores)
1,950
—
Total Store Locations(locations)
1,400+
—
Beauty Brand Variety(brands)
500+
—
Luxury Brand Availability(brands)
100+ (MAC, Dyson, Charlotte Tilbury, etc.)
—
Product Categories(count)
12+ major categories with 40M+ items
—
Product Categories Available(count)
12+ (groceries, apparel, home, electronics, beauty, toys, etc.)
—
Total Product Selection(SKUs)
~400,000
—
Show 2 more attributes
Furniture Customization Variations Per Item(options)
2-4
—
Home Furnishings SKU Count(items)
~15,000
—
Ultamate/ExtraCare Rewards Rate(percent cashback)
1.25% standard, 3.5% on prestige
—
Free Shipping Threshold(USD)
$35 or more
—
Online-to-Store Pickup Speed(hours)
Same-day in select areas
—
Number of US Physical Locations(stores)
1,400+
1,950+
In-Store Beauty Expert Services(store coverage)
80% of stores have trained beauty consultants
Minimal services at select urban locations only
Average Delivery Speed(days)
Same-day pickup or 1-2 days
—
Return Window(days)
60-90 days (Circle members get 90)
—
Standard Return Window(days)
30-120 days (varies by category)
—
Return Policy Window(days)
120 days (REDcard members)
—
2024 Total Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$13.1B
$108B
Same-Day Fulfillment Services(service types)
Buy online, pickup in 2 hours at select stores
Buy online, pickup (2 hours), drive-up, same-day delivery
US Stores
~1,950
—
Prime/Membership Members(millions)
60+ million Circle members (estimated)
—
Organic Product Coverage(%)
18%
—
Prime Member Discount on Select Items(%)
0%
—
RedCard/Loyalty Discount Rate(%)
5%
—
Average Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5)
3.8
—
Year Acquired by Parent Company(year)
Publicly traded (founded 1962)
—
Free Shipping Minimum(USD)
$35 (RedCard) / $75 (standard)
—
Standard Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (in-store pickup) or 2-3 days (delivery)
—
Same-Day Delivery Availability(zip codes)
2,000+
—
Furniture Assembly Time (Average)(minutes)
15-30 minutes
—
Same-Day Delivery Coverage(% of US population)
78%
—
Average Store Size(square feet)
130,000 sq ft
—
Store Locations (US)(stores)
1,948
—
Return Window(days)
30 days
—
Product Categories Offered(major categories)
Apparel, home, grocery, beauty, electronics
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
T
Ulta Beauty
+5-2
Pros
- 500+ beauty brands including Sephora Luxe, MAC, Urban Decay, Dyson, Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, and prestige lines not widely available
- Expert beauty consultants trained in makeup application and skincare matching at 80% of locations
- Ulta Beauty Rewards program: earn 1.25X points on all beauty purchases, redeem for exclusive perks and birthday gifts
- Dedicated beauty services including makeovers, brow shaping, and personalized skin analysis
- Digital integration with Ulta app showing real-time inventory and allowing same-day pickup on 50,000+ SKUs
Cons
- Limited non-beauty selection means less convenient for one-stop shopping
- Typically 15-25% higher prices than mass-market retailers on comparable products
T
Target
+5-2
Pros
- One-stop shopping with beauty, clothing, household items, groceries, and electronics all in one location
- Competitive pricing: 20-30% lower prices on many mass-market beauty brands versus specialty retailers
- Red Card debit/credit program offers 5% discount on all purchases including beauty items
- Same-day services available at most locations: order pickup (2 hours), drive-up, and same-day delivery
- Exclusive brands like Good & Gather skincare and Cat & Jack products unavailable elsewhere
Cons
- Beauty selection limited to ~150-200 brands, mostly mass-market (no prestige/luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, or high-end skincare lines)
- Minimal in-store beauty expertise; staff are general retail associates, not beauty specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
No. Target focuses on mass-market beauty brands like Maybelline, Neutrogena, CoverGirl, and Revlon. Ulta Beauty carries 500+ brands including luxury lines like Chanel, Dior, MAC, Urban Decay, Smashbox, and prestige skincare unavailable at Target. For luxury beauty shopping, Ulta is the correct choice.
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