This family-owned school supplies store in Raleigh is closing after 34 years (2025)

A locally owned store offering school supplies, crafts and other items is closing its brick and mortar in Raleigh after more than 30 years.

The Teach Me Store, located at 3520 Spring Forest Road, will begin a liquidation sale Thursday, May 1.

“The direction of today’s retail world, along with changing economic times, has made it harder for us to remain open while striving to offer the same level of quality and service you deserve,” the store wrote in a letter to customers.

But it’s not a permanent goodbye for The Teach Me Store. Customers will still be able to shop online at teachmestore.com.

“This was not an easy decision, and we want to express our sincere gratitude for your loyal support over the years,” the store wrote. “The fantastic people we have met through the store and the meaningful relationships built over the years have and will forever bless our family and staff.”

Shoppers responded to the store’s announcement on Facebook.

“Your store has been such a blessing to me and my family,” one person commented. “As a young first year teacher, I found friendly staff who helped point me in the right direction for all my classroom needs. My boys have reaped the benefits of the many things you offer in these past few years in our homeschool, and it always remains my number one spot to point people for wonderful gifts for kids.”

What is The Teach Me Store?

The Teach Me Store was founded in 1991 by Diane and Rich Weisbrodt, according to Educational Dealer magazine. Their son, Chad, has been managing the store since the early 2000s.

In the early days, the store was much smaller than its current footprint. It first opened in a 2,800-square-foot space in an area shopping center, and added 2,000 square feet the next year. In 2008, the store needed to expand again, and that’s when it moved to its current location on Spring Forest Road near Capital Boulevard.

It spans nearly 13,000 square feet and offers a wide range of products. Inside, shoppers can find:

• Toys and games
• Fidgets
• Workbooks
• Puzzles
• Children’s books
• Plush animals
• Craft kits and art supplies
• Paper supplies
• Organizational products such as buckets and bins