This article was first published in Volume 1, Issue 4 of the Owensboro Times newspaper.
A renewed vision and hands-on leadership are transforming the T&T Vendors Mall into more than just a place to shop. It’s quickly becoming a community-driven destination.
The new management said that in recent months, the locally owned marketplace has seen record growth thanks to a combination of stronger social media presence, vendor support, and visual upgrades throughout the store.
“The new improvements mainly start with the new management here,” said Chris Board, who helps with public relations for the mall. “Their organization and their customer experiences here have been getting better under the new vision. Booth rentals have been hitting record numbers, sales are improving, and promotions are breaking records. Even the visuals of the booths have been upgraded since vendors are staging them better, and we’re assisting them with how to present their products.”
Owner Tracey Keene said the motivation behind the upgrades is rooted in supporting the families and small business owners who make up the vendor community.
“For me personally, it was just seeing all the families here,” Keene said. “A lot of these small family vendors work really hard to make extra money because the cost of living is so high nowadays. Anything I could do to help these vendors succeed really makes me feel good as a person. I look at it as one person helping another family thrive.”
Vendors, Keene said, have embraced the changes wholeheartedly.
“The vendor response has been overwhelming,” Keene said. “A lot of them come up to me and thank me because their sales have jumped up with social media exposure. There’s a really good vibe and energy in the atmosphere now. People are excited about sales, foot traffic, and the fresh management.”
Keene and Board also credited staff member Ashley Cline, who has helped improve the atmosphere and customer experience.
“It wouldn’t be what it is without Ashley doing it,” Board said.
Cline said her approach is centered around connection and respect — both with vendors and shoppers.
“When I first started, vendors were often called by their numbers, and I didn’t like that,” Cline said. “I call them by their names. I’ve gotten to know them personally, and the same goes for our regular customers. I take every suggestion seriously, and if it’s something that could help the store, I always take it to Tracey.”
Cline said her personable approach has helped build a sense of community inside the mall.
“I never get hostile with anybody. I’m always kind and open, and if I can, I’ll give them a hug,” she said. “It’s about being more personable. That’s really what’s made the difference here.”
The mall’s impact reaches beyond its walls. By supporting dozens of local vendors, Keene said, money is reinvested into the Owensboro economy.
“When somebody shops with us, they’re spending money locally,” he said. “People come from other regions, and while they’re here, they get gas, they eat out. The economic impact is huge.”
Looking ahead, Keene envisions the mall as both a marketplace and a destination.
“We’re building T&T to not just be a store, but a shopping destination,” Board said. “People will know when they come to Owensboro that they have to stop at T&T, because of all the unique vendors and one-of-a-kind items.”
Future plans include expanding the use of the mall’s large warehouse for auctions, more vendor showcases, and seasonal promotions. Long-term, Keene hopes to create enough growth to give back directly to the community.
“Our goals are unlimited at this point,” Keene said. “But we definitely want to continue building on what we’ve started, make T&T the number one stop for unique shopping in the region, and keep helping families thrive.”
