Analysis: U.S. retailers play catch-up in fashion speed race

(Reuters) - After years of losing customers to Europe-based retailers that give young shoppers fresh fashions more quickly, U.S. clothes retailers are fighting back.

To pick up speed, companies like Gap Inc (GPS.N), American Eagle Outfitters (AEO.N) and Macy's Inc (M.N) are placing smaller orders in more factories, and waiting until the last minute to say what colors and cuts the fabric should take. They are also slashing the time clothes spend in warehouses, industry experts said.

"The millenials, with their constant fickleness in product selection, speed, newness and freshness are very important and so there is a heightened need for traditional American brands to increase speed," said Matt Katz, a partner at the Boston Consulting Group, which advises retailers.         Full Read