The only school supply store in Macon is slated to return this year. Here’s what we know

Teachers across Middle Georgia are ecstatic that a long-time staple will return soon to Bibb County under a new name.

Owners Roxanne and McLain Oppy announced last week that Teacher Needs, located at 6394 Zebulon Road, is looking forward to helping educators from all over as Macon’s only educational supply store.

“I always wanted to run my own business,” Roxanne said over the phone. “I love teaching, but teaching is not like it was when I started twenty-eight years ago. So, I wanted to be able to be more available to help teachers improve the things that they’re doing.”

Teacher Needs will continue the legacy of the former Georgia School Supply, which, she said, would make it the only brick-and-mortar school supply building south of Atlanta. After 55 years of operation, the previous owners closed the store on Mercer University Drive in December 2023, 13WMAZ reported.

“There’s nowhere immediate in our town that has an ongoing supply of resources for teachers, except for the school supply store,” Oppy said.

Customers can expect a diverse choice of products, such as bulletin board sets, posters, incentive charts and more, Oppy added. They are currently seeking feedback from the public on what consumers would like to see in the store that was not previously available.

Houston County arts teacher Marisol Osorio said she was a loyal consumer of the original business and was disappointed when it closed, forcing many teachers to rely on alternative sources such as Amazon.

Now, Osorio is eager for Teacher Needs to open.

“My biggest excitement out of all of it is being able to pick up supplies that day and have them,” the Parkview Elementary School teacher said. “In local areas, stuff is really hard to find, and supplies run out here so quickly because we’re so concentrated. Even with Amazon Prime, it’s not a guarantee you’re going to get it in two days.”

The store’s expected convenience is vital to teachers’ classroom organization and curriculum support, Osorio added.

Because most teachers cover their classroom supplies with their own expenses, Oppy said the store can help teachers save money by offering some materials at discounted prices. She said that the store’s incentives can likely help with educators navigating the pressures of school budget cuts.

Because most instructors pay for their own classroom supplies, Oppy believes the store may help teachers save money by occasionally offering discounted materials. She said that the store’s incentives can likely help educators navigate the pressures of school budget cuts.

With nearly 30 years of early childhood education experience, Roxanne emphasized the importance of convenience that teachers can expect while shopping locally and in person.

Despite the fact that the store’s refurbishment is still in its early stages, Oppy anticipates it will also assist local daycare centers, churches, and fast-growing homeschool communities.

Teacher Needs also intends to support teachers’ professional development by hosting hands-on workshops and product demonstrations that show them how to use materials before purchasing them, she added.

Oppy said she knows that the store will be a big advantage to the surrounding Middle Georgia area, and that she is excited for the store’s new adventure.

“It’s so important to be able to see what you’re getting for your children and help them to grow,” she said. “This will definitely be the kind of store that people can have easy access to.”

The owners are working to have Teacher Needs open by Thanksgiving or Christmas.