The bottoming-out of the worldwide recession is in sight and economic experts are now predicting a modest recovery to begin by early next year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development — a Paris-based global economic consortium — reported Wednesday.

The OECD report came as the U.S. Commerce Department reported that durable goods purchases by manufacturers — often considered a leading economic indicator — surged by 1.8 percent in May.

“There are plenty of signs now that the overall U.S. economy, even with challenges present, will begin a slow recovery by the end of 2009 and will begin to grow again in 2010,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “While unemployment and tight credit will continue to keep consumer spending modest, the curve will begin improving and Smart Tan believes professional indoor tanning retailers will be in prime position when the rest of the economy turns.”

Tanning retailers have proven again to be “recession resistant” in the past year, with about one-third of the market reporting sales increases so far in 2009, one-third holding steady and one-third reporting declines from 2008.

Smart Tan believes the tanning market is primed for a fourth-generation boom in 2010 and beyond. Driving the boom will be the foundation program at Smart Tan Downtown: Smart Tan’s 14th Annual Convention and Trade Show Oct. 9-11 in Downtown Nashville. An all-new format for the convention will feature both Smart Tan sales and business workshops, vendor presentations from the industry’s leading suppliers and a two-day trade show introducing new products for 2010.

Additionally, more than $50,000 in prizes will be given away to attendees.

Click here to register or to get more information.