Belfast traders recorded strong takings over the Christmas period, the Chamber of Commerce said today.
Firms claimed performance outstripped that in parts of England over Christmas and most small business owners expect to net improved sales this year.
Belfast city centre manager Andrew Irvine said: "What I am hearing is that we have not suffered some of the downturns experienced in English cities, everybody is flat or up on last year.
"Confidence in the city is good, nobody was down, even the poor performers were flat, and a lot are reporting a 4-5 per cent increase."
A separate survey by the Ulster Bank said Northern Ireland companies were more upbeat than counterparts in the Republic.
Two-thirds of those asked anticipate improved returns in 2008 following restoration of political power-sharing and extra money promoting enterprise in next year's draft budget.
PA