Nearly 6 out of 10 indoor tanning businesses are reporting a stronger start to 2012 than 2011, according to the results of a SmartTan.com poll conducted in early March.

According to the poll, 58 percent of tanning businesses say their financial performance in the first two months of 2012 was stronger than 2011. Only 26 percent reported a weaker start to 2012. One in six — 16 percent — reported no change this year from last year.

“This is yet another encouraging sign that tanning businesses are moving ahead,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “There are companies whose models continue to work.”