Some alternate theories:

Candles have a social purpose. When no one is coming over, there is less need to make the house smell nice quickly. ;)

Scented candles are sold in malls, which have not been visited much this year.

Scented candles are given as gifts (to aunts, etc.), and many birthdays have been forgone this year.

Candle-making is a popular hobby this year.

Edit: weird downvotes. It shouldn’t need to be said that these ideas are presented for discussion. They’re not political statements.