In the late 1800s and early 1900s, company stores (pictured here in Marion County) were common in coal mining, lumber, and textile towns. These stores, owned by the company, were often the only place to shop for residents. They were modeled after the British "truck system," where workers exchanged their labor for goods. By 1922, almost 80% of West Virginia miners lived in company houses and shopped at company stores.

Company stores were central to the community, serving as a store, post office, and meeting place. Though some criticize the exploitative nature of these stores, they helped the company maintain control. People gathered at the store to chat, pick up their pay, and dream about the products they couldn't afford.

By the 1920s, as companies grew larger, store policies became less harsh, and they started offering products residents wanted. However, with the rise of cars and mail order shopping, company stores declined after World War II.