1. Introduction
William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield) Ltd (“Whiteley”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to being transparent about how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at www.whiteley.co.uk (the “Website”).
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies — temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies — cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them.
- First-party cookies — set directly by Whiteley when you visit our Website.
- Third-party cookies — set by third-party services we use, such as analytics or payment providers.
3. Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on our Website:
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to function and cannot be switched off. They are typically set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided.
|
Cookie Name |
Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
|
PHPSESSID |
Session |
Maintains your session state across page requests |
Session |
|
woocommerce_cart_hash |
Session |
Keeps track of your shopping cart contents |
Session |
|
woocommerce_items_in_cart |
Session |
Tracks whether your cart has items |
Session |
|
wp_woocommerce_session_* |
Persistent |
Stores your WooCommerce session data |
2 days |
|
wordpress_logged_in_* |
Persistent |
Confirms you are logged into your account |
Session |
|
wordpress_test_cookie |
Session |
Checks if cookies are enabled in your browser |
Session |
|
cookie_consent |
Persistent |
Records your cookie consent preferences |
12 months |
3.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve the Website’s performance and user experience. We only set these cookies if you have given your consent.
|
Cookie Name |
Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
|
_ga |
Persistent |
Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number |
2 years |
|
_ga_* |
Persistent |
Google Analytics — used to persist session state |
2 years |
|
_gid |
Persistent |
Google Analytics — distinguishes users |
24 hours |
|
_gat |
Persistent |
Google Analytics — used to throttle request rate |
1 minute |
3.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the Website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.
|
Cookie Name |
Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
|
wc_customer_info |
Persistent |
Stores customer information to pre-fill checkout fields |
2 days |
|
wp-settings-* |
Persistent |
Stores your personalised WordPress/WooCommerce preferences |
1 year |
|
currency |
Persistent |
Remembers your selected currency preference |
Session |
3.4 Targeting & Marketing Cookies
These cookies may be set through our Website by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. They do not store directly personal information, but uniquely identify your browser and device. We only set these cookies if you have given your consent.
|
Cookie Name |
Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
|
_fbp |
Persistent |
Facebook Pixel — used to deliver advertisements and track conversions |
3 months |
|
fr |
Persistent |
Facebook — used for advertising delivery and measurement |
3 months |
4. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services which may set cookies on your device:
- Google Analytics — web analytics service provided by Google LLC. For more information, visit: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- WooCommerce — e-commerce platform by Automattic Inc., used to power our online shop.
- Stripe / PayPal — payment processing services. These providers may set their own cookies when you proceed to checkout. Please refer to their respective privacy policies.
- Facebook (Meta) Pixel — used to measure the effectiveness of advertising. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/
We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing each provider’s cookie or privacy policy for further information.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
When you first visit our Website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner allowing you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time.
5.1 Via Our Cookie Banner
Click the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our Website at any time to review and update your preferences.
5.2 Via Your Browser
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. Please note that restricting cookies may impact the functionality of our Website. Guidance for common browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions
For more information about managing cookies, visit www.allaboutcookies.org or www.youronlinechoices.eu.
5.3 Opting Out of Analytics
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
6. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
We process cookies in accordance with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR):
- Strictly Necessary cookies: used on the basis of our legitimate interest in operating a functional website and, where relevant, for the performance of a contract with you.
- Analytics, Functional, and Marketing cookies: only used with your explicit consent, which you may withdraw at any time.
7. International Data Transfers
Some of our third-party cookie providers (such as Google) may transfer data to countries outside the UK. Where this occurs, appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or an adequacy decision.
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. When we make changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you via the cookie consent banner.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:
William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield) Ltd
Email: sales@whiteley.co.uk
Website: www.whiteley.co.uk
If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.