Net sales at US beauty retailer Ulta Beauty rose 14.4% to US$868.1m in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to Q4 2012. Comparable sales (for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 9.2% in the period, benefiting from the negative impact of super storm Sandy and the timing impact of the 53rd week of 2012, as well as an 82.5% rise in e-commerce sales.
For fiscal year 2013, net sales increased 20.3% to $2.67bn, comparable sales rose 7.9% and e-commerce comparable sales shot up 76.6% compared to the previous year. Operating income for 2013 rose 17% to $327.6m or 12.3% of net sales.
Mary Dillon, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am very proud of the team’s accomplishments during 2013, including the completion of the most ambitious store opening programme in our company’s history, the addition of 25 significant new brands contributing to 7.9% annual comparable store sales growth, exciting growth in our loyalty programme, now 13 million members strong, and rapid growth in Ulta.com, driven by major steps forward in our e-commerce platform and fulfilment capabilities.”
