Reminds of the story of the old mining towns. These towns were usually off the beaten path, so it was hard for miners and their families to head to the city for any kind of competitive shopping.

But the mining company set up a store in the town. They charged just enough for basic food and clothing such that the miners had no money left over for that trip into the city.

The old country song called “Sixteen Tons” was inspired by this old economic relationship.