Let me start by saying that I do not like being watched while I do anything. It is one of my biggest pet peeves, especially when I'm trying to shop. Lately they've gotten better about it, but employees at this Ulta used to follow people around the store & watch their every move like they're common criminals or something. I don't shoplift, and I really didn't appreciate the assumption that I was going to. One time about 6 years ago, the manager had been following me around the store, literally standing 5 feet away from me the whole time, eyes peeled. As I was paying for my items, I actually heard her say ""Well I didn't see her take anything, but maybe we got her on camera"". I've never been so insulted in my life. I didn't shop there for about 2 years after that. I actually wrote a complaint to the head office & got a level 5 gift certificate out of it, but it's stuck with ever since and has really colored my impression of the store.
The product selection in just okay- they don't carry Kat Von D, which sucks. They carry the same low-end brands that Wal-Mart does- only they just charge more. They really don't have much that I can't find at Wal-Mart for about $1 less per item.
The salon just SUCKS. I have gotten better haircuts at Fantastic Sam's. The first haircut I got there was in 2004, and when I got home I saw that one side was shorter than the other. I got it cut again about a month ago- and when I got home I saw that one side was shorter than the other. SIGH. For 50 damn dollars you'd think you'd get your money's worth right? Not only did I have to fix it myself at home, the idiot stylist re-fried my ends. The only reason I cut it to begin with was because a few months ago I bleached black dye out of it & I was having a lot of breakage despite babying it. I had her cut it off to about where the damage ended, then the bimbo starts spraying all kinds of styling crap on it, babbling on about 'protectants!' & then she proceeded to flatiron it WHILE IT WAS STILL WET. I heard my hair sizzling, and sure enough, I had NEW damage to enjoy dealing with. And that was the salon MANAGER that did my hair! Never again. This salon is an effing JOKE.
Overall, I only go there when I need something that I absolutely cannot find anywhere else.
Pros: Lots of products, good sales
Cons: Crappy stylists, hovering employees
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