EMERYVILLE Calif. Jamba Inc. blamed tightened consumer spending for a drop in second quarter same-store sales at its Jamba Juice chain.
Systemwide same-store sales fell 6.8 percent, which reflected decreases of 7.3 percent at company stores and 5.1 percent at franchised locations, Jamba said.
According to preliminary results, revenue for the second quarter ended July 15 rose 10 percent year-over-year, to $98.6 million for the 736-unit chain.
Jamba said it would focus on value and product innovation in order to protect its business from incursion by quick-service competitors pushing their own smoothies. Jamba pointed to its granola-topped breakfast smoothies, which it said have been successful at driving traffic in the morning.
Going forward, Jamba said it would offer a value-priced Orange Refresher smoothie, which will sell for $2.95 for a limited time. On the company's website, a two-for-one coupon offer promotes the new all-fruit smoothie.
Jamba, based here, said it closed eight stores on July 15 as part of a previously announced plan and that it expected to add four new stores by year-end.
Jamba said it would release full second quarter results on Aug. 21.
