Vanguard Awards: Leashes

Reputable companies in the leashes category, most notably Coastal Pet Products and flexi, continue to drive the leashes category forward with sensible and pragmatic solutions that incorporate durable materials, comfort and tasteful design. Walking dogs is an integral part of the pet’s mental and physical well-being. These manufacturers make it nearly impossible for pet owners to skimp on this basic pet ownership duty and opportunity for pets to bond with their owners. 

Coastal was founded in 1968 by brothers Tom and Jim Stout at a time when there was market opportunity with many products being made from leather material. “The Stout brothers recognized the potential to revolutionize the market and industry, and in 1975, introduced nylon webbing that became the industry standard for pet restraints,” said President Kim Stout. “By addressing this underserved area, Coastal positioned ourselves as a pioneer in the industry, setting new standards for quality and innovation. Our approach helped us become a leading manufacturer and supplier of pet products, significantly impacting the marketing and overall pet care experience.”

“The flexi retractable leash was invented to solve a simple but meaningful problem: how to give dogs more freedom to explore while maintaining safety and control for the dog owner,” said Senior Sales Manager Sylvie Geffrelot. 

“All Coastal products are designed for their function—they do what they are expected and needed to do while keeping pets safe and comfortable,” Stout said. “Our innovative designs help identify problems and bring solutions to the market. We’ve created double-handled leashes for times when owners need to keep their dogs close, and we also have neoprene-lined handle leash options for owners’ comfort while using. When it comes to quality, Coastal doesn’t settle to meet industry standards, we set and exceed them. We back all products with our Quality Guarantee.”

“flexi offers unique value to pet parents by going beyond basic functionality and by delivering smart design, additional features and added lifestyle benefits,” Geffrelot explained. “Our latest innovations have been created on that way: 1) flexi Xtreme leash is made of extra strong materials to withstand intense usage, is equipped with a robust braking system and extremely bite resistant tape 2) With its new avantgarde design flexi one inspires with elegance and lightness 3) flexi Select is the first flexi retractable leash with a length that can be adjusted as required, making the Select ideal for walking in the city as well as in the forest.”

Coastal’s mission and values play an integral role day-in and day-out in all aspects of the operations at Coastal. “We continue to fulfill our mission of designing and delivering quality products people trust for the pets they love while living our values,” Stout said. “We are dedicated to supporting diverse pet lifestyles, which is why we offer a wide range of products tailored to the unique needs of every pet. Our collections such as Li’l Pals, Safe Cat and Water and Woods, are designed to cater to specific pet requirements, ensuring every pet owner can find the perfect product that is functional and fits their pet. Our goal is to foster lasting connections between pets, their owners, and Coastal brands, providing functional and reliable products that fit seamlessly into their lives.”

“As leader for retractable leashes, flexi plays a meaningful role in helping pets and pet parents live healthier by going beyond the product and focusing on safety, education and innovation,” Geffrelot said. “All flexi leashes are equipped with a convenient, reliable braking system and a tangle-free technology for safe walks. We have designed ergonomic grips for stress-free long walks. Dog owners can use flexi dispenser for poop bag and treats as well as our flexi LED lighting System for higher visibility. We encourage daily walks and outdoor activities to cover exercise needs, and we educate pet parents how to best use the flexi leash and to build deeper bonds with their animals.”

“Retailers capitalize on the high quality, reliability and extra safety that the flexi brand offers them and their customers,” she added. “By focusing on innovation, design and vertical manufacturing of retractable leashes for more than 50 years, flexi’s quality and functionality simply cannot be matched by competitors in the market today.”