United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC) continues to expand and has brought Justina Klimek, an experienced sales manager, on board for the Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) region as well as for parts of Europe. The sales specialist brings over a decade of experience in fashion wholesale and combines a deep 360-degree understanding of the fashion industry – from key account management and planning to brand building – with a clear global perspective. In an interview with FashionUnited, she gives insights into her new role and explains why, for her, shared success with retail partners is the foundation for sustainable, strategic growth.
Career with vision
Justina’s path is characterized by an international biography and comprehensive multi-channel expertise. Having lived abroad for many years and worked for industry giants such as TK Maxx, Karstadt, Veepee and Crocs, she knows the fashion industry from every angle: from full to off-price, from stationary to digital. Her time at Calvin Klein Socks was particularly formative: “There I was able to wear many hats at the same time – from planning to visual merchandising to sales,” says Justina.
Today she uses her psychology studies as a valuable foundation for translating human dynamics into successful, long-term partnerships. At ULAC, she particularly appreciates the international orientation and agile structure. “Although I’m still new, the role is exactly what I wanted. I can profitably use my entire range of experience here. My goal is healthy growth that is tailored to the respective markets.” She particularly appreciates the close collaboration with Sven Kuchta, Sales Director EMEA: “We work closely together and develop strategies, always in exchange and in harmony with our partners.”
Strategic priorities & brand building: Skechers, Hurley, Ted Baker & Co.
In her new role at ULAC, Justina will be responsible for a strong brand portfolio, with the strategic development of Skechers Legwear remaining a top priority. “Skechers offers us an enormous opportunity to specifically tap into existing sales potential for legwear,” she explains. For Justina, socks are much more than a commodity: “They are the ideal tool for beautifying surfaces, increasing shopping baskets and creating real added value for our retail partners.”
Another key focus is on expanding the Hurley surf and lifestyle brand. Justina sees great potential here to further consolidate the strong brand identity in the European market. She is also followed by brands such as Ted Baker and the cozy brand Lemon, where she uses her experience to place the right collection in the right place at the right time. Justina’s work ranges from strategic product management and detailed sell-through analyzes to close coordination with international colleagues to the development of tailor-made product range strategies and space optimization directly at the point of sale.
Whether it’s performance socks for sports, slip-ons to match Skechers shoes, Hurley lifestyle products or stylish designs from Ted Baker and Lemon – Justina’s main focus is always on strengthening existing partnerships and increasing the visibility of ULAC brands in the DACH region and Europe: “Every day brings new topics. The potential to make a big impact with a seemingly small product is what makes the work so exciting.”
2026: Focus on quality and shared growth
The goals for the new year are clearly defined: the conscious expansion of Hurley as well as the legwear brand presence of Skechers, Ted Baker and Lemon. The company relies on a healthy balance between e-commerce and stationary retail. “It’s important to collaborate with the right partners,” emphasizes Justina. “Our goal is not just quantity, but rather building sustainable relationships. We want to help you optimally meet your customers’ needs with the right range.”
This targeted strategy primarily serves to position yourself in line with the market. “We curate our partnerships very consciously. It’s about ensuring that the brand and the environment harmonize perfectly. Only through this honest coordination can we create real added value for retailers and end consumers.”
Energy in the team and a plea for individuality
A crucial factor for this success is close teamwork. “The cooperation with Sven and the entire team is characterized by incredible positive energy,” says Justina. This shared enthusiasm is crucial to achieving the ambitious expansion goals in Europe.
She sees her own, often not straight path as her greatest advantage. She therefore advises young talents to be open and courageous: “Sometimes a detour leads exactly to where you belong. It’s important to follow your passion, just try things out, constantly develop yourself further and at the same time recognize your own strengths and use them in a targeted manner. You should never allow yourself to be discouraged and, above all, learn to listen to your gut feeling. Everything you experience – whether positive or negative – shapes your own profile and sharpens your eye for what’s important.”
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Justina Klimek by email at [email protected] or by telephone at +49 174 173 92 30.