Trader Joes is a privately held chain of specialty grocery stores headquartered in Monrovia, Calif. The company operates more than 280 stores in various cities throughout the United States, including West Hartford, Conn. Founded in 1958, Trader Joe s sells a variety of products, such as gourmet, organic, vegetarian, frozen and imported foods, as well as domestic and imported wines. Its alternative food items include breads, cereals, eggs and other products. Trader Joe s also offers nonfood items, including personal hygiene products, household cleaners, vitamins, pet food items, and plants and flowers. The company is also one of the exclusive retailers of Charles Shaw wine.