GUILDERLAND — Rachel Ferluge, who worked at a Stuyvesant Plaza boutique when she was a University at Albany student years ago, has been named general manager by WS Development.
WS Development, a Massachusetts-based, mixed-use developer, assumed management, operation, and majority ownership of Stuyvesant Plaza earlier this year. The outdoor plaza, on Route 20 in Guilderland, opened in 1959 with 18 tenants. The 240,000-square-foot plaza now has 60 shops and restaurants.

After graduating from the University at Albany in 2005, Ferluge pursued a career in merchandising in New York City, where she spent 16 years working for 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 Alexandra Clark in a release announcing Ferluge’s appointment.

“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 in the release.“ 

“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,” the release said.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer