26 Bars & a Band Receives Award for Best Leash for Their Avant Garde Retractable Leash

Walnut, CA, August 03, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The stylish behind-the-scenes video highlights the different personalities that use this leash and also has an impressive Features segment that bears the look and feel of an Apple commercial. The Avant Garde collection takes boring and plain retractable leashes and makes them fun and full of personality. With over 20 original designs in 2 sizes, it's difficult to choose just one. To top it off, there are also matching harnesses.

The Avant Garde leash is definitely not lacking in style but the manufacturer, 26 Bars & a Band knows that what keeps customers happy in the long run is a quality product. Dog walkers know that corded leashes are more prone to accidents so the Avant Garde leash uses only all-belt nylon throughout the entire leash. For ease of use, a one button brake and release switch was developed to easily control your dog with one simple click. When considering how plastic feels in your hand, the company carefully selected a rubberized material for the ergonomic handle which not only prevents slipping but provides a softer grip. Due to the nature of this product extending out and retracting back in repeatedly, a simple anti-tangle feature was added to the exit of the leash to prevent the nylon from twisting back into the housing unit. There is also a 3 year warranty on the leash guaranteeing it to be free of defects with proof of purchase.

“The Avant Garde leash has literally changed the face of retractable leashes,” says Sandi Kaneko, President of 26 Bars & a Band. The Avant Garde retractable leash has been featured on the Today Show, Elle Magazine and has garnered numerous awards including the Pet Business Industry Recognition Award for Best Leash in 2011 and Editor’s Pick for Modern Dog Magazine.

About 26 Bars & a Band

26 Bars & a Band is known as the first company to manufacture a printed retractable leash. We are a young company whose focus is on Innovation, Design, and Customer Service. Married couple, Michael and Sandi Kaneko combine their differences ("numbers guy" meets "design girl") and have created a unique brand. Of course they have similarities too and one of the biggest things in common with each employee at the company is we all have the joy of animals in our lives. In fact, all 4 of the owner's pampered pets are rescue animals.

We started the company because we were both tired of working for others. Mike has a Business (Finance) degree from the University of Southern California and worked in the corporate world before deciding to do something he was passionate about. Sandi has a Merchandise Marketing degree from the Fashion Institute of Design Merchandise (FIDM) and effectively utilizes her fashion knowledge by designing all of the company's products.

In 2009, Sandi's love for Paul Frank drove her to propose a collaboration with them. "The lifestyle brand is loved and known all over the world and it's such an honor to see our wonderful products with the iconic monkey, Julius on them," says Sandi Kaneko.

26 Bars & a Band has won numerous awards for their products including, Most Innovative Leash, Product of the Year (Pet Age Magazine), Best in Show 2nd Place (Global Pet Expo), and been featured in numerous magazine including Real Simple.

The Avant Garde Retractable Leashes are sold in independent stores and boutiques across the country as well as internationally. Retail prices range from $29.95/small to $38.95/medium. For more information visit their website, www.26barsandaband.com or Facebook.com/26Bars.