What this suggests is a natural division of labour: a trouser maker could assemble average-sized khakis in volume in Mexico, but make special sizes such as narrow waists or long inseams in the United States, offering fast turnaround for retailers and less risk of overstocking.

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In the beginning, the turnaround of ideas to prototypes is lightning fast.

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Ultimately, the inventory turnaround will depend not only on how fast prices are rising, but also on whether prices will have been rising for long enough to encourage homeowners to sell and builders to build.

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To have a hope of pulling off a Jobs-like turnaround, she will need to tackle three vital tasks fast.

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On the flip side of this sobering picture, of course, are the 71 major real estate markets that are seeing undeniable recoveries: fast rising prices, declining inventories of homes available for sale, and quick median turnaround times from listing to sale.

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