A study the BBDO Worldwide advertising agency conducted illustrates the close relationship between brands and rituals. It labels brands that we use to perform our rituals fortress brands because once they become embedded in our ceremonies – whether we use them to brush our teeth, drink a beer, or shave – we’re unlikely to replace them. The study ran in 26 countries, and the researchers found that, overall, people worldwide practice roughly the same consumer rituals. The agency claims that 89 percent of people always use the same brands in their sequenced rituals; three out of four are disappointed or irritated when something disrupts their ritual or their brand of choice isn’t available. For example, the report identifies one common ritual category it calls preparing for battle. For most of us this means getting ready for work. Relevant rituals include brushing the teeth, taking a shower or bath, having something to eat or drink, talking to a family member or partner, checking e-mail, shaving, putting on makeup, watching TV or listening to the radio, and reading a newspaper.