Ulta Beauty’s AutoStore Move Is Worth Watching
Ulta Beauty is continuing its automation expansion with plans to open a new 395,000-square-foot regional distribution center in Salt Lake City, Utah, scheduled to launch in 2027.
The new facility will feature AutoStore automation technology and is expected to support up to 180 stores across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain Plains regions while also strengthening Ulta Beauty’s growing e-commerce fulfillment network.
According to company executives, the new distribution center is expected to improve delivery speeds by up to one full day for the markets it supports while also helping balance capacity with the retailer’s existing Fresno, California distribution operations.
The project reflects a broader supply chain modernization initiative currently underway at Ulta Beauty. Last month, CEO and Director Kecia Steelman told analysts the company plans to continue expanding automation investments across its existing facilities, including additional systems and process improvements designed to improve inventory productivity and operational efficiency.
The Utah project is another sign that major retailers continue accelerating investments into highly automated regional fulfillment infrastructure as omnichannel order volumes and delivery expectations continue evolving.
