Speedy styles.

The growing appetite for fast-fashion stores, where merchandise is quickly restocked to keep on top of trends, gives local apparel manufacturers an edge against foreign competition, according to a report by global consulting firm Bain & Co.

The report stresses that the proximity by local suppliers to U.S. fast-fashion stores could trump higher production costs. It's a "business model that enables a retailer or wholesaler to provide the customer more of what they want, when they want it," the report says.

Fast-fashion retail only accounted for about 1 percent of the 2004 market share in the United States. That's compared with 18 percent in Spain and 12 percent of the market share in the United Kingdom.

Los Angeles-based Forever 21 Inc., one of the locally based practitioners of fast fashion, is illustrative of the rapid growth potential. The company projects revenues could reach $1 billion this year, up from $640 million last year.

The numbers reflect a long-term shift in the market toward fast-fashion outlets. Fast-fashion is "redefining the consumer definition of fashion" and "radically changing consumer shopping behavior," the report concludes.

Staff reporter Rachel Brown can be reached at [phone], ext. 224, or by e-mail at [e-mail].