About half of tanning facilities reported a better first quarter in 2008 as compared to 2007 according to a SmartTan.com poll conducted in early April – a finding that bolsters the belief that indoor tanning can hold its own in an uncertain economy.

One-third of those who responded to the poll reported a weaker first quarter as compared to 2007. And 19 percent reported no difference.

The poll is not scientific, but supports earlier SmartTan.com polls that showed a majority of tanning facilities expecting 2008 to outpace 2007.

“It’s clear that a growing base in the tanning business today are better positioned to survive and thrive in competitive markets,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “In an economy when consumers are clearly slowing their spending, it’s encouraging that only one-third of tanning businesses in our poll are reporting lower numbers so far this year.”