Nearly three-quarters of tanning businesses say the first four months of 2008 met or exceeded their expectations, according to a SmartTan.com survey conducted in the last week of April. Almost half — 45 percent — of tanning businesses say business performance in the first four months of the year exceeded their expectations.

“This is consistent with surveys we’ve conducted throughout the year,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “The economy is still the top concern on everyone’s minds, but it appears that many tanning businesses have made the necessary preparations to weather an era of consumer uncertainty. Many are reporting better years this year.”

Just 28 percent of salons said the first four months of 2008 fell short of expectations — slightly lower than the 33 percent who reported lower performance in a similar SmartTan.com survey conducted a month ago.

In a January SmartTan.com poll seven out of 10 salon owners said they were optimistic this year would exceed last year’s performance.