short story collection from 80's - featuring tale about powdered beauty, youth etc?

[kitphisto]

It had several stories in it, the one I remember most is about a shopkeeper running a small corner shop that is struggling due to a new supermarket. He is visited by an odd travelling salesman who gives him powdered beauty, youth, wisdom etc to sell. Another odd salesman turns up and warns against it. The items really sell well and change people's lives and the shop thrives. The first salesman turns up again and wants the shopkeeper to sell other items - greed, envy etc I think and he refuses. People stop using the powdered items as they realise they don't need them and there is a final standoff between the two salesmen (who are the devil and an angel) and the shopkeeper.

There was another story in it about a woman dentist who had lots of children and they couldn't have sweets but a new chewing gum came out and she let them have that as it was supposed to be good for teeth but it took over the house or something.

[woofgang]

If you don't get an answer here, try going to the Abebooks website and posting on the booksleuth forum.

[starone]

Well, it's definitely science fiction or horror type stories. That could be a clue.

[Traci66]

Could it be stephen king, twelve before midnight.

[Traci66]

Maybe twelve past midnight.

[kitphisto]

Thanks all - actually identified it now, The Chewing Gum Rescue and Other Stories by Margaret Mahy.