By Merle Exit
The Shops at Atlas Park saw early risers as more than 100 beauty shoppers stood on line as early as 6 a.m. last Friday for the grand opening of ULTA, the largest beauty retailer in the United States.
The one-stop shopping site that offers a full-service salon for both hair and skin touted a three-day giveaway event to the first 100 guests with gift certificates ranging from $5 to $100 as well as one for a free service at the salon for up to $35.
ULTA is the newest addition to The Shops, now owned by Macerich, the development company for the Queens Center Mall on Queens Boulevard.
Jonaldy Edouard of Brooklyn was at the head of the line.
“This is the closest ULTA from where I live and the first time I’m in Queens,” she said.
Jonaldy received the gift certificate and a $5 coupon. She returned the next day hoping to hit the $100 prize, of which only one was given each of the three days.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) joined the ULTA staff for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The opening of ULTA and the upcoming stores make for better days at Atlas Park, a jewel in the community,” Addabbo later remarked.
District Manager Maureen McDonough talked about the store being the second ULTA in Queens — the other is in Rego Park — carrying both their own line of cosmetics as well as other brands such as Maybelline.
In terms of the hiring process, McDonough said, “We added 35 employees to this location, all of whom are from the local area. As far as customer service, ULTA prides itself on offering a one-to-one consultation so that you are educated in order to buy the correct products.”
“You can get a fabulous makeover at our retail store,” said General Manager Milena Filipova said. “It is like having a day spa within a beauty store that provides everything from scents, cosmetics, skin, nails and hair. Treat yourself to a haircut or styling, have a facial, do your brows, get a manicure and add the makeup. We want women to be able to walk through the door and feel pampered.”
ULTA Beauty in Atlas Park is at 71-03 80th St.
