1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use the site. We also use similar technologies like local storage and session storage.
2. How We Use Cookies
Thrifts uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Keep you logged in: Authentication cookies remember your login session so you don't have to sign in every time.
- Remember your preferences: Such as your preferred language, location, and display settings.
- Shopping functionality: Remember items in your bag and your checkout progress.
- Security: Help protect your account and detect suspicious activity.
- Analytics: Understand how visitors use our platform so we can improve it.
- Performance: Ensure the site loads quickly and works properly.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They include:
- Authentication and session cookies
- Security and fraud prevention cookies
- Load balancing cookies
- User preference cookies (e.g., cookie consent)
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation:
- Remembering your search preferences
- Storing recently viewed items
- Chat and messaging functionality
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our platform:
- Page views and user journeys
- Feature usage and engagement
- Error tracking and performance monitoring
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services we use:
- Payment processors: Yoco and PayFast for secure payment processing
- Analytics: To help us understand site usage
- Authentication: Google for social login functionality
- Cloud services: Cloudinary for image delivery
5. Managing Cookies
You can control and manage cookies in several ways:
Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete existing cookies. The process varies by browser:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies
Note: Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of Thrifts, such as logging in or completing purchases.
6. Cookie Retention
Different cookies are retained for different periods:
- Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Authentication cookies: Up to 30 days (or until you log out)
- Preference cookies: Up to 1 year
- Analytics cookies: Up to 2 years
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: