About one-third of tanning business owners felt 2010 was a stronger year than they expected according to a SmartTan.com poll conducted in late December. That’s an upside heading into the 2011 tanning season.

According to the poll, almost half of tanning businesses — 47 percent — thought 2010 was weaker than they had expected. Just under one-third — 32 percent — said 2010 was stronger than anticipated. The remaining 22 percent (the numbers are rounded) said they got about what they expected in 2010.

“There are still economic challenges facing this market, no doubt,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “But the quality of ownership in the market today is better prepared for those challenges. There’s no doubt about that. And we still think that bodes well for the long term.”