Ferluge returns to popular shopping plaza where her career began
GUILDERLAND, NY, – Rachel Ferluge, a native of the Capital Region and graduate of the University at Albany, has been named general manager of Stuyvesant Plaza by WS Development, a Massachusetts-based, mixed-use developer which announced its partnership with the historic and highly popular outdoor lifestyle shopping center earlier this year.
The appointment of Ferluge brings her journey full-circle to lead the local management team of Stuyvesant Plaza where she first embarked on a career in retail.
A Schenectady County native, Ferluge was introduced to Stuyvesant Plaza as a college student when she worked at Charmant, a small, upscale women’s boutique that had been located near the current site of Ten Thousand Villages. After graduating from the University at Albany in 2005, she pursued a career in merchandising in New York City, where she spent 16 years working for globally renowned brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Tom Ford and most recently ETRO.
“Rachel’s background and passion for retail is what set her apart from other candidates for this position, in addition to the fact that she is the consummate ‘people person,’” said WS Development Vice President, Asset Strategy & Development, Alexandra Clark. “The Capital Region is very passionate about Stuyvesant Plaza and we’re pleased to have someone with a strong personal connection to the venue as our general manager.”
“Stuyvesant Plaza is where I began my career and I am thrilled to return as general manager. It is an incredible and beautiful place, and my dream is to help it reach its full potential,” said Ferluge. “The plaza is an iconic part of the Capital Region and a place that’s very close to my heart. I’m excited to be part of its continued growth and development.”
WS Development is known for its purposeful curation of retail, emphasis on activation and placemaking, appreciation of design and commitment to local community engagement.
Under Ferluge’s leadership, her team will look to create novel and unique ways for customers to engage with Stuyvesant Plaza by building upon its rich history and local flavor. To further enhance the shopping experience, emphasis will be placed on infusing elements of discovery, excellence and fun in the coming months and years, all the while maintaining its local-first character.
Rachel Ferluge
About WS Development
Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class installations and activations. Established in 1990, WS is a vertically-integrated company that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 20 million square feet of existing space and an additional five million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country. For more information, visit www.wsdevelopment.com, call 617.232.8900 or follow WS Development on LinkedIn.
About Stuyvesant Plaza
Since opening in 1959 with 18 tenants, Stuyvesant Plaza has grown more than threefold to become the Capital Region’s premier outdoor lifestyle shopping center and professional office park. Stuyvesant Plaza, which opened just 12 years after the nation’s first outdoor shopping center in Los Angeles, is currently home to nearly 60 shops and restaurants. For more information, visit StuyvesantPlaza.com.