Staff have left a flagship Glasgow store in tears after administrators arrived and the shutters were pulled down on Friday morning.

Administrators have been appointed to the popular Watt Brothers chain, with 229 staff across Scotland being made redundant with immediate effect.

Eyewitnesses say staff and customers were told to leave the store on Sauchiehall Street 'immediately' just before 10am.

📹 WATCH: Staff and customers gather outside Watt Brothers after administrators were appointed this morning.

More info: https://t.co/H1LW3cenoY pic.twitter.com/eo8geZsBGL — The Evening Times (@TheEveningTimes) October 18, 2019

Staff were seen congregating at the back of the store, many crying and consoling each other.

When asked for comment by the Evening Times, they repeatedly stated they had been banned from speaking by management.

Management from the store are believed to currently be in the Sauchiehall Street store, receiving a briefing.

Administrators KPMG say Watt Brothers will continue to trade from the Glasgow store, where a stock clearance event will begin on October 19.

Jean Connell, 67, a customer for over 50 years, said: “Shocked, I’ve always shopped here. It’s horribly, you get lots of good things in it. I know a couple of the girls, I wish I could get hold of them. It’s such a shame.”

Marie Tunilla, 63, said: “A bit of Glasgow’s gone - I loved Watt Brothers. We get everything out of there, it’s been a big part of the city, so it is. I remember growing up and going in there with my mother. I always came in for my bedding, always have.

"A lot of good memories, it’ll be sadly missed.”

We told you last year that staff had been left 'in the dark' about apparent plans to sell the property to save the firm from collapse.

The owner of the four-storey Sauchiehall Street premises announced in May 2018 possible plans to close the city centre shop and relocate the business elsewhere in the city.

Stuart McMillan MSP said: "Extremely sad news for the 22 people employed at the Port Glasgow store.

"My thoughts go out to all the staff and their families affected by this administration.

"The administrator KPMG has confirmed they are working closely with Skills Development Scotland, via their PACE team, and JobCentre Plus to support the staff who have been made redundant."

Blair Nimmo, Joint Administrator and UK Head of Restructuring at KPMG, commented: "Despite the director's 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.”

READ MORE: Iconic Watt Brothers store in Glasgow could be sold off

"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.”

This is a developing breaking story, and more updates will follow.