Importers who sell to America's major retailers are preapring for a significant uptick in consumer spending this spring and summer, according to a recent survey conducted by Capital Business Credit (CBC), a non-bank lender that services the retail sector.

According to CBC's quarterly survey, 43.2 percent of respondents believe that the 2014 spring season will be stronger than 2011, and 40 percent believe that the 2014 summer season wil surpass last year's sales. Less than 20 percent of respondents believe spring and summer retail sales will decline year over year. The remaining 40 percent believe spring and summer retail sales will at least remain the same.

"Retailers have played it very close to the vest for the past several years, feaful of overstocking the shelves," says Andrew Tananbaum, executive chairman of CBC. "As consumers begin to open their pocketbooks again, importers and maunufacturers are finally beginning to see increases in orders and re-orders."

Tannanbaum cautions that while sales may go up retailers will need to work hard to avoid relying on heavy discounting to move merchandise. However, he concludes, "These numbers are very encouraging for the overall state of the consuer-driven economy. This is the first time in nearly three years that the importers we work with are manufacturing more than they did last year and are planning on having to restock shelves."