STAFF at the Viyella store in Monmouth could be among those to lose their jobs after suit retailer Austin Reed announced 120 outlets are to shut.

The menswear specialists have confirmed that 1,000 jobs are to go at Austin Reed, Viyella Men and Viyella Women stores across the UK – a month after the company went into administration.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill, headed by Philip Day, has acquired the 116-year-old chain's brand and five concessions, but did not want to take on the entire estate.

A staff member at the Monmouth store said she was unable to give any details of how Viyella would be affected.

Administrator AlixPartners said "no viable offers" for the rest of the business could be found.

Peter Saville of AlixPartners said: "We have explored all options to sell the business since our appointment and continued to trade the business with the support of the secured creditors in what is clearly an extremely challenging retail environment.

"Despite a significant number of interested parties coming forward during this period it became clear as the process progressed that a viable solution which kept the business whole was not forthcoming.

“As a result we have made the difficult decision to cease trading the business and commence a wind-down of the estate."

The 120 stores - which once counted Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor as customers - will now be sold off to other retailers.

Austin Reed fell into administration in April and the news comes amid a torrid time for the high street, with the fate of department store chain BHS set to be revealed later this week.

A number of bidders were mooted to be interested in Austin Reed after its owner, the distressed retail specialist Alteri Investors, threw in the towel last month. They included Mike Ashley's Sports Direct, but a suitable offer did not materialise.