Americans load up on candy, trick or treat — or not

Americans may not know if trick or treating will happen this year because of the pandemic, but they’re buying a lot ofHalloween candywhile they wait to find out. U.S. sales ofHalloween candy were up 13% over last year in the month ending Sept. 6, according to data frommarket research firm IRI and the National Confectioners Association. EarlierHalloween displays at some chains, like dollar stores, Meijer and ShopRite, likely helped boost sales. But Americans may also be in a mood to celebrate after months of pandemic anxiety.