Space NK, one of the UK’s leading beauty retailers, turned a new page in its history after being acquired by Ulta Beauty in July 2025. The momentum of this acquisition is now realized in the unveiling of a major new flagship at Birmingham’s Bullring Shopping Center, which is the largest Space NK location outside of London.
Bold Acquisition: Ulta Beauty’s Move Into the UK
Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty specialty retailer in the U.S., completed the acquisition of Space NK from Manzanita Capital, with a strategic plan to expand internationally. CEO Kecia Steelman said showing its significance: “International expansion is an integral part of our Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan, and the acquisition of Space NK offers a unique and strategically compelling opportunity to enter the growing UK market with a successful and growing brand”. For Space NK, CEO Andy Lightfoot shared, “We have long respected Ulta Beauty as the leading specialty beauty retailer in the U.S. We are energized and excited by the opportunity to join Ulta Beauty and benefit from its scale, brand relationships and resources to further fuel our mission to serve beauty obsessed consumers through expertise and innovation”.
The deal hands Ulta Beauty instant access to 83 Space NK stores in the UK and Ireland, and a prestigious foothold in a soaring $13.8 billion UK beauty market, expected to reach $20.1 billion by 2033.
The Bullring: Experiential Beauty Reimagined
The new Bullring Shopping Centre flagship is a masterclass in experiential beauty and elegant design, featuring:
- Copper-accented interiors, soft lounge spaces, and interactive play tables
- Consultation labs for skin, fragrance, and makeup diagnostics
- Shade match and texture test zones supporting top beauty school collaborations and pro artistry
- Expanded shelves featuring Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, Danessa Myricks, Rare Beauty, Westman Atelier, Tatcha, Glossier, Saie, Kosas, and many brands.
Customers are welcomed by a team of top-tier advisors ready to deliver personalized service in a calm, contemporary setting, while professional training events and community-driven features give the store its beauty education meets lifestyle vibe.
Community and Culture: The New Model
Beyond retail, the Birmingham flagship is a beauty career incubator and social destination. The store’s community zones host:
- Tutorials, career sessions for emerging makeup artists, and freelance networking.
- Events and open house programs with local students and educators
- Partnerships supporting a 33% year-over-year growth in active Space NK customers, now surpassing 1 million
Paul O’Brien, spokesperson for Bullring owner Hammerson, stated that the new opening marks an important milestone for both the shopping destination and the region’s beauty industry, further strengthening Bullring’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier retail hubs.
Growth Story: Ulta Beauty + Space NK as Global Blueprint
The success of the Bullring flagship is influencing new Space NK blueprints, notably a major new store at Oxford Circus, London (slated for late 2025) and regional expansions in Bluewater, Chelmsford, Milton Keynes, and Leicester. With shop sales up 24%, and online sales growing 35% in early 2024, Space NK’s integration into the Ulta family sets the stage for even greater omnichannel innovation—pairing UK heritage with Ulta’s marketing, supply chain, and loyalty muscle.
Ulta Beauty’s 2025 revenue topped $2.8 billion for Q1, up 4.5% year over year, making it one of the world’s beauty giants.
The Future of Beauty Retail
With Birmingham as the latest jewel in its crown, Space NK is set to lead not just the regional but also the global future of prestige beauty. Its partnership with Ulta is already driving:
- 70% footfall growth in 2025, and annual growth of 30%+ since 2020
- Immediate cross-Atlantic brand exchange, with American and European labels set for exclusive debuts
A pipeline targeting 200 new stores across markets between 2025 and 2027.
