Cookie Policy | Japan Scissors UK
Last updated: 23-07-2025
Cookie Policy
Right, let's demystify cookies. They're not the edible kind (sorry!), but they do make your shopping experience better. This policy explains what cookies we use, why we need them, and how you can control them. We're transparent about the whole thing.
The Quick Version
- 🍪 Cookies are small files that remember your preferences
- ✓ Some are essential (like your shopping cart)
- ✓ Others need your permission (like analytics)
- ✓ You can change your mind anytime
- ✓ We follow UK GDPR and PECR rules
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are tiny text files stored on your device when you visit our site. Think of them as the website's memory - they help us remember things like:
- What's in your shopping cart
- Whether you're logged in
- Your language preferences
- How you use our site (with your permission)
Some cookies are ours, others are from trusted partners. We'll explain who does what below.
2. How We Use Cookies
We group cookies into four categories. Here's what each does:
🔒 Essential Cookies (Always On)
These make the site work. Without them, you couldn't shop, log in, or checkout. They don't need consent because they're necessary for the service you've requested.
📊 Analytics Cookies (Your Choice)
Help us understand how people use our site. Which pages are popular? Where do people get stuck? This helps us improve your experience.
🎯 Marketing Cookies (Your Choice)
Let us show you relevant ads on other sites. Also help us understand if our ads are working. Without these, you'll still see ads - just random ones.
⚙️ Functional Cookies (Your Choice)
Remember your preferences like currency, language, or recently viewed products. Makes the site more personal to you.
3. Cookies We Use - The Full List
Essential Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _shopify_s | Shopify | Shopping cart & checkout | Session |
| _shopify_y | Shopify | Customer authentication | 2 years |
| cart | Japan Scissors | Stores your cart items | 14 days |
| secure_customer_sig | Shopify | Customer login security | 20 years |
| cookieconsent_status | Japan Scissors | Your cookie preferences | 12 months |
Analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Unique visitor ID | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Daily unique visitors | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttle request rate | 1 minute |
| _hjid | Hotjar | User behaviour tracking | 1 year |
Marketing Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Ad targeting & analytics | 3 months | |
| fr | Ad delivery & measurement | 3 months | |
| ads/ga-audiences | Google Ads | Remarketing | Session |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Ad personalisation | 1 year |
Functional Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| currency | Japan Scissors | Your preferred currency | 30 days |
| recently_viewed | Japan Scissors | Products you've looked at | 30 days |
| wishlist | Japan Scissors | Your saved items | 1 year |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies come from other companies we work with. We've vetted them all, but here's what they do:
Google (Analytics & Ads)
- Helps us understand site usage
- Shows our ads to interested people
- Google's Privacy Policy
Facebook/Meta
- Measures ad effectiveness
- Shows relevant ads on Facebook/Instagram
- Meta's Privacy Policy
Hotjar
- Shows us how people navigate the site
- Helps identify user experience issues
- Hotjar's Privacy Policy
Shopify
- Powers our entire shop
- Essential for e-commerce functionality
- Shopify's Cookie Policy
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You're in control. Here's how to manage cookies:
Option 1: Our Cookie Banner
The easiest way - click the cookie icon in the bottom corner of any page. Toggle categories on/off as you like.
Option 2: Browser Settings
All browsers let you control cookies. Here's how:
Option 3: Opt-Out Links
Heads up: Blocking all cookies will affect site functionality. You might not be able to add items to cart or checkout properly.
6. Your Consent
For essential cookies, we rely on "legitimate interests" - they're necessary to provide the service you've asked for.
For everything else, we need your consent. You can:
- Give consent via our cookie banner
- Withdraw consent anytime (same banner)
- Set preferences for each category
We'll remember your choice for 12 months, then ask again (as per ICO guidance).
7. Updates to This Policy
We might update this policy if we add new features or partners. We'll let you know about significant changes via:
- Website banner
- Email (if you're subscribed)
- Updated date at the top
8. Questions?
Got questions about cookies? We're here to help:
- Email: privacy@japanscissors.co.uk
- General Support: support@japanscissors.co.uk
For more about how we handle your data generally, see our Privacy Policy.
Want to complain about cookies? Contact the ICO at ico.org.uk.