company-store

A company store is a retail shop owned by an employer and operated for its workers, historically common in mining towns and factory communities where workers lived on company property.

Workers were often paid in company scrip redeemable only at the company store, which typically charged inflated prices—creating a cycle of debt that trapped employees.

I owe my soul to the company store.

The term now refers figuratively to any arrangement where an employer controls access to goods or services its workers need.