LAS VEGAS — Heavy market traffic thanks to the new building here Monday translated into strong interest in dining programs.

Despite reports of congested roads and registration desks, dining exhibitors were pleased with the attendance and the reception to their goods.

Hamilton & Spill was pleasantly surprised to have four big customers stop by on Sunday, giving “significant business” to jump-start the market, according to Gary Harmon, senior vice president of sales and marketing.

On opening day, the company saw retailers from areas it wasn’t sure would be well represented, including the Northeast, Southeast and upper Midwest.

Harmon said he also saw accounts from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Bermex expected that retailers from Western Canada would be more likely to visit Las Vegas than High Point. However, the market might also be pulling traffic from Toronto, too, said Albin Grundner, U.S. national sales manager.

While Grundner said he didn’t attend the recent Toronto market, he said those who attended reported slower traffic than usual.

In Las Vegas, Bermex signed a five-year lease with a $1 million investment. Grundner said he loves the building design and the floor layout, and was especially fond of the busy traffic, as about 60 accounts were in by 2 p.m. — half appointments and half walk-ins.

Zocalo had a similar showing, said Danny Olivas, marketing manager. He said the company’s Las Vegas space has an open display scheme, like many retail settings, and lets the company present its vignettes in a way that retailers might replicate on their floors.

Among the features are lighted room dividers covered with fabric, creating walls that can be easily moved for countless configurations. Zocalo likely will change the layout every market, said Olivas.

Emerald Home Furnishings is making a big splash in dining after moving from a temporary space at The Sands to Building B. President David Beckmann said casual and formal dining are both doing well. Among the groups getting attention is Metropolitan in a medium cherry finish.

Progressive not only met several retailers but saw more designers on Monday than on the average day in High Point, said President Dennis Ammons.

SLF is emphasizing new groups and its Value Ship program this week. The company has 55 new bedroom and dining pieces, said Guy Walters, vice president and general manager of SLF Signature.

Among the dining groups getting attention is Bradford, which has the look of a plank top but uses inlaid veneers instead.