Cookies Policy

Last Updated: June 19, 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how matthudson.com (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and e-commerce shop (collectively, the “Website”). It describes what cookies are, the types we use, how we use them, and your choices for managing them. This policy complements our Privacy Policy (https://matthudson.com/privacy-policy/), which provides more details about how we handle your personal information.

1.⁠ ⁠What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone) when you visit a website. They help websites function properly, improve user experience, and provide information to site owners. We also use similar technologies, such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage, which serve comparable purposes.

2.⁠ ⁠How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

Operate the Website: Ensure essential functions like navigation, account management, and e-commerce checkout work smoothly.

Process Payments: Support secure payment processing through our payment provider, Stripe.
Analyze Performance: Understand how visitors use the Website to improve its content and functionality.
Personalize Your Experience: Remember your preferences, such as items in your cart or language settings.
Marketing and Advertising: Deliver relevant ads and measure their effectiveness, with your consent where required.

3.⁠ ⁠Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies based on their purpose and duration. Below are the types of cookies used on the Website:
Category

Purpose
Examples
Duration
Essential Cookies

Required for core Website functionality, such as maintaining your shopping cart, enabling secure checkout, and processing payments via Stripe. These cannot be disabled.

Session cookies, Stripe checkout cookies
Session (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent (e.g., for saved cart data, up to 1 year)
Analytics Cookies
Collect anonymized data about how you use the Website (e.g., pages visited, products viewed) to improve performance and user experience.
Google Analytics (if used), e-commerce platform analytics
Persistent (up to 2 years)
Functional Cookies
Enhance your experience by remembering preferences, such as language or login details.
Preference cookies, account settings
Persistent (up to 1 year)
Marketing Cookies
Track your browsing to deliver personalized ads and measure ad performance, often set by third-party ad networks.
Meta Pixel, Google Ads (if used)
Persistent (up to 2 years)
Third-Party Cookies: Some cookies are set by third parties, such as Stripe for payment processing or analytics/marketing providers. These parties may collect data per their privacy policies (e.g., Stripe’s Privacy Policy).

4.⁠ ⁠Specific Cookies

Below are examples of cookies we may use. This list is not exhaustive and may change as we update our services:

Stripe Cookies: Used to process payments securely, prevent fraud, and support checkout functionality. Essential for e-commerce transactions.
Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that maintain your session (e.g., cart contents) while browsing.
Analytics Cookies (if applicable): Track anonymized usage data to optimize the Website (e.g., Google Analytics’ _ga cookie).
Advertising Cookies (if applicable): Enable targeted ads on third-party platforms (e.g., Meta’s _fbp cookie).

If you use specific tools (e.g., Shopify, Google Analytics), please provide details for a more precise list.

5.⁠ ⁠Your Choices and Consent

You can manage cookies as follows:
Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the Website to function and cannot be disabled. By using the Website, you agree to their use.
Non-Essential Cookies: For analytics and marketing cookies, we obtain your consent before setting them, where required (e.g., under GDPR for EU users). You can provide or withdraw consent via our cookie consent tool (if implemented) or browser settings.
Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Visit your browser’s help section for instructions. Note that disabling cookies may affect Website functionality, such as the ability to complete purchases.
Opt-Out Tools: For advertising cookies, you can opt out via industry tools like the Network Advertising Initiative or Your Online Choices (EU).
GDPR Compliance (EU Users): We use a cookie consent banner to obtain your explicit consent for non-essential cookies, as required by the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR.
CCPA Compliance (California Residents): You may opt out of the “sale” of personal information (e.g., via targeted ads) by contacting us or using our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link (if applicable).

6.⁠ ⁠Third-Party Cookies and Tracking

Third parties, such as Stripe, may set cookies to process payments or provide services. These cookies are governed by their privacy policies. For example:
Stripe uses cookies to authenticate transactions and prevent fraud. See Stripe’s Privacy Policy.

If we use analytics or ad platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta), they may set cookies to collect usage or advertising data.

We do not control third-party cookies but ensure they align with our privacy standards.

7.⁠ ⁠International Data Transfers
Cookies may involve data transfers to the United States or other countries (e.g., by Stripe or analytics providers). We ensure appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, for international transfers as required by law (e.g., GDPR).

8.⁠ ⁠Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be communicated via the Website or email, where required.

9.⁠ ⁠Contact Us

For questions about this Cookie Policy, contact:
Email: [email protected]

Address Suite 2.05, Swans centre for innovation, Station Rd, Wallsend NE28 6EQ United Kingdom

For more information about data handling, see our Privacy Policy (https://matthudson.com/privacy-policy/).