Macon’s only school supply store makes ‘difficult decision’ to close doors

After operating for less than two years, Macon’s only school supply store is in the process of closing its doors, according to recent Facebook posts from the store owners.

Teacher Needs, 6394 Zebulon Road, is offering 60% off all merchandise as the owners begin a final liquidation sale.

While no official closing date has been announced, the owners said they expect the store to close sometime in July.

“Despite our hopes, hard work, and countless prayers, we have reached the difficult decision to close,” store owners wrote on Facebook. “While this is not the outcome we had envisioned, we trust that God has a greater plan for our lives, and we are choosing to follow where He leads.”

Teacher Needs took over the historic GA School Supply Store, which operated for more than 50 years before its previous owners closed the Mercer University Drive location in December 2023, as previously reported by The Telegraph.

Owners Roxanne and McLain Oppy reopened the store as Teacher Needs in spring 2025.

Roxanne, a former educator with nearly 30 years of experience, previously said the one-stop shop for classroom and educational supplies remained an essential resource for Middle Georgia teachers because of its convenience. When reached Wednesday, she confirmed the closure but could not immediately provide further comment.

Middle Georgia teachers had expressed enthusiasm to The Telegraph about the return of the longtime brick-and-mortar store and its quality educational supplies.

The new shop’s goal was to cater to former customers and attract new ones.

“Opening this store was truly a dream come true,” the store wrote recently on Facebook. “Our greatest hope was to create a place where teachers, parents, homeschool families, churches and daycare providers could find the educational tools and resources needed to help the next generation succeed.

“Serving this community has been an incredible privilege, and we are so grateful for every person who walked through our doors, shared our posts, shopped with us and encouraged us along the way.”