In case you aren't familiar with Trader Joe's, here are the basics about the company.

Based: Monrovia, Calif.

Stores: More than 200

States: 19, mostly in the West, Midwest and Northeast

Founded: 1958, as a chain of convenience stores called Pronto Markets in the Los Angeles area.

First store: The first true Trader Joe's store opened in 1967, after founder Joe Coulombe expanded one store and gave it a nautical theme, with a captain (store manager) and a first mate (assistant manager). That nautical theme continues today in the Hawaiian shirts that employees wear.

What's the big deal? Trader Joe's has a loyal fan base because of its fun atmosphere, gourmet products and reasonable prices.

The stores aren't fancy, but foodies love them for items they can't find elsewhere, including organic, sodium-free, kosher and gluten-free varieties. The stores have a no-hassle return policy, too, for people who try something and don't like it.