MAM
Net has a greater influence on purchase decisions than magazines, TV among broadband users
MUMBAI: 50 per cent of broadband users in the US say that a recent purchase was influenced by the Internet, 36 per cent were influenced by shopping sites and 15 per cent by search engines.
This was more than TV commercials (11 per cent) and magazine advertisements (6 per cent), showing the growing impact of online sources on purchasing decisions, as revealed in Netpop Shop, a recent study by Media-Screen, a market research firm that focuses on online consumer trends.
Media-Screen director of research Cate Riegner says, “Online sources are eclipsing traditional media and advertising channels, like radio and television. Retailers need to recognize this trend and adjust their marketing and advertising strategies accordingly. Netpop explores how the new media landscape is shifting shopping habits in order to provide marketers with the data they need to reach modern consumers effectively.”
Netpop | Shop, a report designed for retailers, advertisers and marketers that looks at the shopping habits of broadband users, also examines five distinct product categories: Pricey Tech-Electronics; No Touch Services; Media Mesh; High Touch Retail; and Household Staples.
Findings reveal the Internet’s significant role in the purchase of many types of items, beyond established e-commerce categories like technology, travel and financial services. In fact, 58 per cent of clothing items and 59 per cent of home and garden items were influenced by an online source.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
