Nearly 60 percent of tanning business owners anticipate larger client bases in 2011 than what walked through doors in 2010, according to a SmartTan.com poll conducted in January.

According to the poll, 59 percent expect larger client counts this year, while 20 percent see client numbers remaining about the same. Only 21 percent in the poll expected client numbers to decrease in 2011.

“Even with all the challenges facing the market, optimism is still ruling,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “With the economy turning, steady job growth on the horizon and capital positions stronger than they’ve been in several years, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.”