ST. CLAIRSVILLE – A highly anticipated grand opening occurred at the Ohio Valley Mall on Friday for Ulta Beauty, a one-stop shop for all things cosmetic.

Ulta Beauty is a chain with more than 800 stores in 48 states. Before Ulta had its soft opening at the mall over Labor Day weekend, the nearest store was in Washington, Pa., where the new store’s general manager, Rebecca Carl, previously worked. Carl said she saw shoppers from Ohio often, and when they learned St. Clairsville would be obtaining Ulta Beauty, they were “beyond excited.”

“Our foot traffic at the soft opening was amazing,” Carl said. “It’s just so positive.”

The grand opening on Friday had shoppers lining up an hour before doors opened at 10 a.m. Waiting at the front of the line were Ashley and Samantha Burch, who said they were excited about the new business, as the closest thing to an Ulta is the Sephora line housed at The Highlands’ J.C. Penney.

St. Clairsville resident Sierra Moore said she previously drove to Washington to visit the Ulta Beauty store.

“I like that it has both high-end and drugstore stuff,” she said. “It beats the department store stocks.”

Ulta carries more than 20,000 different products, representing more than 600 brands. Products range from professional, salon products to less costly drugstore brands. Carl listed lines such as Urban Decay, Bare Minerals, Philosophy skincare and It make-up as particularly sought after brands. Hair care, skin care, make-up products, nail polish, styling tools and perfumes all are available at Ulta.

Carl also noted that Ulta contains a full-service salon, which was praised by shoppers including Moore.

“The stylists are in tune with new trends. Other places don’t stay up to date,” she said.

Ulta’s grand opening celebration continues today and Sunday, with discount cards being awarded to the first 100 shoppers each day. Shoppers will also receive free consultations and makeovers.

Employee Alexis Dale said the store’s huge variety is addicting.

“It’s like the Sam’s Club of make-up,” she offered.

Carl said Ulta Beauty has employed 30 local people to staff the Ohio Valley store. Mall officials were excited to welcome the retailer to the shopping complex.

“We are thrilled,” said Candi Noble-Greathouse, marketing director, adding that shoppers have been waiting for the store with great anticipation since it was first announced.

“This is the latest addition to our ever-increasing selection of stores,” said George Diab, mall manager. “We’re extremely fortunate and excited about them coming to the mall.”

Diab noted that the Ohio Valley Mall area has grown substantially over the past year, with Candlewood Suites, a new Jo-Ann Fabrics, Sincerely Yogurt, Great Clips, Planet Fitness and Chipotle opening successfully. Also in the works are Woodbury Outfitters, which will open in October, and several other retailers that Diab said he could not yet discuss.

“It’s been a good year,” he said.

Ulta Beauty is located in the Sears concourse of the mall, across from MC Sports. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. To learn more, go to www.ulta.com.

Warner may be reached at mwarner@timesleader

online.com.