In a small town where big box stores often reign, Ashley Saint has carved out a unique niche with her family-owned business, A Saint’s Southern Market. Located in Maceo, the market specializes in liquidated items from major retailers and boutique products sourced from small businesses across the U.S., offering customers top-quality goods at a fraction of their original cost. But for Saint, this venture is more than just a business — it’s a passion turned into a lifeline for her community.

Saint, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, launched A Saint’s Southern Market in 2023. The idea came to her after realizing the financial burden many families face, especially in tough economic times. 

“I built this business from the ground up. I took my love for shopping and finding the best deals and made a business out of it,” said Saint, who moved with her family to Owensboro in 2008. “I had no idea if people would be interested in this kind of stuff because it’s different. But let’s face it, times are hard, and you need that dollar to stretch as far as it can go.”

Saint’s love for deal-hunting traces back to her childhood in Eastern Kentucky, where her mother taught her the value of a dollar by encouraging her to shop smart. 

“Shopping almost turned into a sport for me. I was always on the lookout for the best deals,” she said. “I truly enjoy helping stretch that dollar for friends and family.

This passion evolved into a mission to help others save money without sacrificing quality, leading to the creation of A Saint’s Southern Market.

The market offers a vast variety of items, including home decor and furnishings, appliances, auto parts and accessories, toys, sports and outdoor gear, and more.

However, Saint said her business is not your typical pallet liquidation store or a bin store filled with random items. Instead, Saint carefully curates her inventory to include a wide range of high-quality products, from home goods and electronics to seasonal items and specialty boutique products. 

“You can always expect to find quality products and items that you can actually use at 40-90% off MSRP. I don’t buy ‘junk.’ I focus on a wide variety of high-quality products from big box stores and make them accessible and affordable to my customers without breaking the bank,” she said. “Listening to what people love and need has been key to building relationships, and trust has helped grow the business. It’s truly fulfilling to share my love for finding those hidden gems with everyone who shops with me, and I couldn’t be happier with the way it’s blossomed into a thriving market.”

Saint’s approach has resonated with the community. In about a year and a half, her Facebook page has grown to nearly 1,800 followers, and she also manages two active booths at the Consumer’s Mall off KY 144 as well as one at The Wildflower Floral & Gifts Boutique in Lewisport.

“A friend once told me I was like a ‘local TJ Maxx,’ and I fell in love with that connection,” Saint said. 

Starting a business is never easy, and Saint faced her share of obstacles. From navigating the uncertainties of the liquidation market to building trust with skeptical customers, she remained focused on transparency and authenticity. 

“There are no self-help books or classes to take on this business. You learn as you go,” she said. Her dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, backed by a three-day return policy for items with moving parts, has helped build a loyal customer base.

Saint’s ability to listen to her customers and adapt her inventory to meet their needs has been crucial. For example, during back-to-school season, she stocked up on school supplies, selling more than 2,000 items to help parents save money. 

Saint’s adaptability has been key to her success. Recognizing that busy schedules and changing routines could impact in-person shopping, she launched innovative ways to connect with her customers. 

“I started doing ‘Flash Friday Sales’ on Facebook Live, where I showcase my products and make deals on the spot,” she said, noting the events have become a hit, allowing customers to claim items in real time and pay later.

In addition to online sales, Saint hosts “Market Shop Days,” where customers can visit her shop in person for a more interactive shopping experience. With music, a spin-the-wheel game, and a relaxed atmosphere, these events have become a favorite among locals. 

“My goal is to create a shopping experience that’s fun and engaging, without any pressure to buy,” she said.

Saint said another aspect that sets her apart from other retailers is she offers “Specialty Shop Items,” which are boutique-type items sourced from other small businesses across the country. 

“I purchase their inventory wholesale, and I am able to share that deep discount with my customer base,” she said. “All products in this category are strictly from the USA, they are from other families just like me, trying to give customers a way to purchase their items at well below MSRP.”

Beyond offering great deals, Saint is committed to giving back to her community. In 2023, A Saint’s Southern Market donated more than $2,500 worth of items to local charities, including SPARKY, the Daviess County Animal Shelter, and several silent auction fundraisers. 

“Life is hard, and the economy is even harder,” Saint said. “Why pay money to big corporations when you can support a local family-owned business that provides the same items at a significantly lower cost?” 

Her charitable efforts extend to helping families during the holidays by providing toys and other essentials at prices far below retail, ensuring that more children have gifts to open on Christmas morning. 

“Giving back has always been a passion of mine. I hate to see others suffering, and if I can help in any way, I will,” she added.

Looking ahead, Saint has big plans for her growing business. She dreams of building a larger shop on her property to better serve her customers and expand her inventory. 

“I want to introduce new shopping experiences, special events, exclusive product launches, and even more live sales to engage with our customers in real-time,” she said.

Expanding her online presence is also a priority, with plans to enhance her website and increase shipping options to reach more customers nationwide. 

“My goal is to create a shopping experience that’s fun, exciting, and full of great finds, all while keeping that personal touch that sets us apart,” she said. “I want my customers to feel at home when they shop with me. I want them to have a place where they can freely shop without feeling defeated by the total number on their receipt.”

For more information about A Saint’s Southern Market, visit their website at asaintssouthernmarket.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest deals and updates.