company store

American  

noun

1. a retail store operated by a company for the convenience of the employees, who are required to buy from the store.

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Etymology

Origin of company store

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Miners were paid in scrip, the company’s version of money that could only be used at the company store or in the businesses nearby that honored it.

From Salon • Oct. 28, 2025

It said the county’s contract with Fulgent prohibits the disclosure of data collected without the county’s written permission and requires that the company store and process data in the continental United States.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2022

She also suggested one step that might provide additional information: If you bought the earlier paint from a company store, you might be able to get a representative to visit your house and offer advice.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2021

Ikea HQ is exactly what you might expect: a company store modified to function as the main office for 5,400 employees.

From The Verge • Dec. 18, 2019

Stifling our laughter, we’d hand the crushed coppers across the counter at the company store for candy.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam