Ulta Beauty Shares Dip 0.98% as Trading Volume Plummets to 405th Spot Amid Partnership Exit

On August 15, 2025, Ulta Beauty (ULTA) closed at a 0.98% decline, with a trading volume of $260 million, marking a 29.09% drop from the previous day’s volume. The stock ranked 405th in terms of trading activity among listed equities.

Ulta Beauty and Target have announced the termination of their in-store partnership, which is set to conclude in August 2026. The collaboration, initiated in 2021, featured over 600 Ulta mini-beauty shops within Target locations, offering premium beauty products to shoppers. Both companies highlighted the program’s success in expanding access to luxury beauty offerings while enhancing Target’s retail appeal. Ulta’s presence will remain in Target stores and online until the partnership’s official end next year, with Target Rewards members continuing to earn Ulta Beauty Rewards until August 2026.

Industry observers note that the partnership’s dissolution could impact Ulta’s short-term revenue streams and customer reach, particularly in mid-tier markets where Target’s footprint is significant. However, the decision aligns with Ulta’s broader strategy to focus on its standalone store network, which operates 1,500 locations nationwide. The move also reflects evolving retail dynamics, as consumers increasingly prioritize dedicated beauty experiences over in-store kiosks.

The strategy of buying the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day from 2022 to now delivered moderate returns. The 1-day return was 0.98%, with a total return of 31.52% over 365 days. This indicates the strategy captured some short-term momentum but also reflected market volatility and potential timing risks.