Slide show: National Hardware Show gets going

Las Vegas -- It's show time.

The National Hardware Show kicked off here at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and some 2,600 exhibitors are fighting for attention.

The general mood was upbeat, and a number of exhibitors who spoke with HBSDealer were pleased with the activity in their booths. The retailers in attendance were rewarded with an abundance of new products and educational opportunities.

"The theme of this year's Show is all about taking the next three days to rethink the way you do retail," said Rich Russo, the VP of the National Hardware Show in his letter to attendees.

The event runs through Thursday. Above are some of the early scenes captured on film by HBSDealer editors.