‘Too much to overcome.’ A year after opening, Asian market in Macon closing its doors

A young couple’s first business venture together didn’t turn out the way they had hoped.

Nawarat Vibulrungsun and Chatnarin Apirukanotai, or Ploy and Mac as they’re known to their customers, are closing Wandee Asian Market at 2786 Riverside Drive at month’s end.

The market opened Feb. 20 of last year.

The couple made the closure announcement on their business Facebook page:

“We are sad to announce that we have to close our business soon. We are so sad to make this options as this was not what we wanted to do anytime soon. We are beyond grateful to have been a part of everyone here in Macon.

“We have always been blown away with your kind words and appreciation from our work. Unfortunately, the rise in cost of goods, issues with suppliers, difficult economy challenges in the last few months have been too much to overcome.”

In the end, the bottom line was the bottom line. Their revenues couldn’t offset rising expenses enough to be profitable, Ploy said.

Natives of Thailand, the couple moved from Dallas to Macon about 1-½ years ago and noticed that Macon didn’t have an Asian market. They decided to open one.

“We just want to say thank you for supporting us,” Play said.

Customers posted on Facebook how much the couple will be missed.

“We’ve really enjoyed your market,” Moriah Lavender wrote. “ I’m so sorry you have to close. Thank you for bringing a good variety of products to our community!”

Theresia Jahja posted, “I’m gonna miss shopping at your store!! I love having an Asian grocery store so close to home. I wish you guys all the best.”