Manufacturer

A Halloween night that falls on both a Saturday and a full moon would normally be ideal for spooky festivities, driving up sales of candy, costumes and decorations.But with cases of COVID-19 on the rise, experts expect retailers to see soft demand for Halloween supplies as plans are scaled back and trick-or-treating is questioned altogether.They add that sales related to the spooky celebration may also serve as an indicator for what retailers can expect this Christmas, the largest shopping season of the year.Farla Efros, president of HRC Retail Advisory, says Halloween is a significant portion of business for many retailers and candy makers.She says the lack of gatherings, office parties and trick-or-treating could lead to soft sales for retailers from grocers to specialty Halloween pop-up stores.Retail analyst Bruce Winder says families and friends might plan their own ``bubble Halloween'' like a backyard celebration or scary movie night.He says while people will still buy some candy, decorations and costumes, it likely won't be as profitable a season as usual for retailers and candy manufacturers.

Convenience Store News Canada is thrilled to announce the Leadership Panel for the Star Women in Convenience Virtual Awards Celebration on November 4th.

Mondelēz International.

Fuel distributor Greenergy has acquired 100% of Amber Petroleum, an independent fuel distributor and retailer based in the Republic of Ireland.

Following on its successful initiative with EV (electric vehicle) charging facilities in Europe, Montreal-based Alimentation Couche-Tard has announced it plans to offer charging sites at west coast U.S.

A new survey finds that young people have been vaping less frequently since the COVID-19 pandemic began.The survey, conducted by the Lung Association of Nova Scotia and Smoke-Free Nova Scotia, finds that respondents decreased vaping to five days per week from six, on average.They also cut back to an average of 19 vaping episodes per day, down from 30.There has been a major push by all levels of government to introduce regulations designed to curb youth vaping.The survey funded by Heart & Stroke also found the decrease in vaping frequency is most notable in British Columbia and Ontario.The researchers say it may be related to warnings of potential complications from COVID-19 for e-cigarette users.The survey heard from more than 1,800 respondents between 16 and 24 years old, and found most begin vaping at around the age of 15.

The company plans to open more locations in cities across the country Imperial Tobacco Canada is opening a new retail store in Toronto that offers adult consumers a full-range of vapour products, while a select portfolio of these vaping products will continue to be available at convenience stores.

Convenience Store News Canada is thrilled to announced that Cara Keating, president, PepsiCo Foods Canada, will deliver the keynote address at the Star Women in Convenience Virtual Celebration on November 4, 2020.Keating will speak about "Leading through change and adversity: lessons of leadership and resilience."As president of PepsiCo Foods Canada, she leads the Canadian businesses of Frito-Lay North America and Quaker Foods North America.A 15-year PepsiCo veteran, Keating has a wealth of experiences in various geographies, as well as in account management, customer insights, field and customer leadership roles.Since joining PepsiCo in 2004, Keating has climbed the ranks, consistently delivering results and taking on progressively senior roles in customer development and field leadership across Canada.