Retail incubator The Clinton Street Mercantile in Downtown Schenectady celebrates grand opening and ribbon cutting

(November 15, 2018 – SCHENECTADY) Owners of The Clinton Street Mercantile cut the ribbon on their new 4500 sq. ft. retail store at 148 Clinton Street in the heart of Downtown Schenectady today. The space, part of the Fitzgerald Building redevelopment by Redburn Development Partners, provides small artisans vendors with a place to sell their wares, refine their product line and develop a customer base before graduating to their own retail locations.

“We are thrilled that ‘The Merc’ is opening in time for the holiday season and adding to the growing number of small, unique retailers here in Schenectady” said Jeff Buell, Principal, Redburn Development Partners. “Along with the 12 apartments that will be finished by the end of the year just upstairs, The Merc brings such life to the streetscape.”

The Fitzgerald Building Redevelopment was made possible in part by an Empire State Development grant, awarded through the Restore NY Communities Initiative; a grant from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority; and financing provided through SEFCU.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Restore NY projects like this one in downtown Schenectady encourage new investments that are revitalizing communities and supporting economic growth around the state.”

Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority said, “We welcome The Clinton Street Mercantile to downtown. We are excited to work with Redburn Development Partners and the Whittalls to help provide small retailers with a place to launch their business and grow.  We are also thankful to Empire State Development for providing Restore New York funding for the renovation of this key building located in the core of downtown.”

Business owners Brandon and Michelle Whittall are fulfilling a lifelong dream with the opening of the Clinton Street Mercantile. They make custom-painted furniture and wanted to partner with other like-minded makers and creatives who were in a similar situation – they weren’t ready for their own brick and mortar but could thrive in a collective where each has their own small spaces inside of one large location. Brandon and Michelle provide the framework and support and hope their small vendors will grow and hopefully open stand-alone shops also in Downtown Schenectady, making space for new artisan vendors to join The Merc.

###