Rio Rancho Herbal Market Reopened Under New Ownership

The newly reopened shop offers supplements and alternative remedies to local residents.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring dried sage and amber apothecary bottles on a wooden shelf, symbolizing an herbalist shop. — Alton Chen has officially reopened the local herbal market in Rio Rancho, bringing specialized herbalism expertise to the community's retail offerings. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prefer using natural or homeopathic remedies to manage your personal health concerns?

Alton Chen reopened TJ's Evergreen Herbal Market on October 2, 2026. The store specializes in herbs, supplements, and wellness goods intended for both people and pets.

Why it matters

The transition to new ownership brings specialized herbalism training into the local retail market. Owners aim to use this expertise to address specific community health ailments through alternative medicine.

The store represents one retail outlet operating in Rio Rancho after a transition in ownership. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The players

Alton Chen

The new owner and operator of TJ's Evergreen Herbal Market who holds training in herbalism and family medicine.

Dara Saville

An instructor with the Yerba Mansa Project who provided training to the new owners.

The details

The new ownership team acquired the business and applied formal training in herbalism and family medicine to the store's operations. The inventory includes teas, honey, essential oils, and wellness products for dogs. Training and operational guidance were supported by the University of New Mexico and the Yerba Mansa Project.

October 2, 2026: The store officially reopened for business.

Market Landscape

The reopening follows the growing trend of integrating formal academic training into specialized small-business retail operations. This development aligns with the University of New Mexico's herbal education programs as the foundation for the owner's operational expertise.

Local operators in the wellness space should note the emphasis on specialized, education-based service models. Owners should evaluate whether their own inventory meets the specific niche demand for alternative health remedies in the area.

The takeaway

The store demonstrates how specialized expertise can revitalize a niche retail space. Operators should track how such educational credentials influence customer trust and product selection in their own segments.