The Irish distributor of Doc Martens has decided to take a step into the computer software sphere with the introduction of a new package intended to revolutionise the way the fashion industry does business. "Distribution 2000", a software package developed by Cork company, Ellard Technology, is currently being used in Ireland to streamline the ordering and supply of the 5,000 variations in style, size and colour of the famous footwear which has sold more than 70 million pairs here and in Britain since the 1960s.

Now footwear retailers throughout the State can view multimedia presentations of new and existing styles of shoes, boots and sandals before emailing their orders to the distributor for onward transmission to the manufacturer.