DEPARTMENT store chain Watt Brothers has gone into administration with more than 20 staff at the Port Glasgow shop made redundant.

Stunned workers at the retail park outlet were dealt the devastating blow on Friday morning as the 104-year-old retailer went bust.

All 22 staff at the Port store have lost their jobs.

Across the company, 11 shops in total have closed with 229 staff made redundant, including workers from the company's warehouse and head office.

The Port Glasgow shop only opened in October 2016.

It is understood that although the shelves had been looking bare of late staff were reassured everything was okay and that it was simply down to a change of supplier.

One employee, who did not want to be named, said: "It came completely out of the blue.

"Nobody told us anything.

"They shouldn't be able to treat their staff like this.

"Customers have been coming in for the last couple of weeks asking if we're closing but we were told everything was fine. "We're all devastated."

Blair Nimmo and Alistair McAlinden, of KPMG UK, have been appointed as joint administrators.

Mr Nimmo said: "Despite the directors' tireless efforts to increase margins, cut costs and recapitalise the business, Watt Brothers continued to incur trading losses as a result of the well-publicised challenges being experienced across the retail sector.

"Ultimately this has led to the unfortunate demise of a well-known and highly-regarded business.

"We will be holding a stock clearance event, and are grateful to the remaining staff for their efforts and assistance at this difficult time.

"We are working closely with Skills Development Scotland, via their PACE team, and Jobcentre Plus to support the staff who have been made redundant.

"We would encourage any party who has an interest in acquiring the business and its assets to contact us as soon as possible."

Watt Bros is a fourth generation family-owned business founded in 1915.

Its stores are known for selling everything from clothing and footwear to electrical goods, homeware, jewellery, cosmetics and gifts.

The administrators say that while the company's turnover has increased annually, peaking at £24 million in 2018, that has not translated into profit and the business made a loss last year.

Increasing online competition, the emergence of new discount retailers and 'significant margin challenges' have been blamed for the financial collapse.

The company's flagship store in Sauchiehall Street will continue to trade to allow for the stock clearance sale, which begins today.