Cookie Policy
Last updated: 9/30/2025
We want to be completely transparent about how we use cookies on our website. This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and what choices you have.
1. What Are Cookies?
Think of cookies as tiny notes that our website leaves on your device to remember things about your visit. They're small text files that help us provide you with a better experience when you come back to our site.
These "notes" might remember that you prefer the site in English, that you're logged into your account, or how you like to navigate our pages. They're completely harmless and don't contain any personal information like your name or address unless you specifically provide it to us.
2. Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies to make your experience on our website better in several ways:
- Making our website work properly – Some cookies are essential just to keep things running smoothly
- Understanding how people use our site – This helps us improve and fix any problems
- Remembering your preferences – So you don't have to set them every time you visit
- Showing you relevant content – Including ads that might actually interest you
3. The Different Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize our cookies into four main types. Here's what each one does:
3.1 Essential Cookies (The ones we really need)
These cookies are absolutely necessary for our website to work. Without them, you wouldn't be able to navigate the site, stay logged in, or use basic features. You can't turn these off because the site simply wouldn't function without them.
What they do:
- Keep you logged into your account as you browse different pages
- Remember items in your shopping cart
- Ensure the website loads properly and securely
- Help us prevent fraud and keep your information safe
3.2 Performance Cookies (Help us improve)
These cookies help us understand how people use our website so we can make it better. They collect information anonymously – we can't identify you personally from this data.
What they do:
- Track which pages are most popular
- See how long people spend on different parts of our site
- Identify if there are any errors or slow-loading pages
- Help us understand what content people find most useful
The most common one you'll see is Google Analytics, which helps website owners worldwide understand their visitors better.
3.3 Functionality Cookies (Remember your preferences)
These cookies remember choices you make so your experience is more personalized and convenient.
What they do:
- Remember your language preference
- Keep track of your location (if you've shared it)
- Recall your font size or other accessibility settings
- Remember if you've seen certain pop-ups or notifications
3.4 Marketing Cookies (Show relevant ads)
These cookies help us show you advertisements and content that are more likely to interest you. They also help us measure how effective our marketing efforts are.
What they do:
- Track which ads you've seen so we don't show them repeatedly
- Help us understand which marketing campaigns work best
- Allow us to show you relevant ads on other websites you visit
- Enable social media features like sharing buttons
4. Specific Cookies You Might Find
Here are some of the most common cookies our website uses:
Google Analytics (_ga, _gid)
What it does: Helps us understand how people use our website
How long it lasts: Up to 2 years
Why we use it: To improve our website based on real user behavior
Facebook Pixel (_fbp)
What it does: Helps us show relevant ads on Facebook
How long it lasts: 3 months
Why we use it: To reach people who might be interested in our content or services
Session Cookie (usually called something like "sessionid")
What it does: Keeps you logged in as you browse our site
How long it lasts: Until you close your browser
Why we use it: So you don't have to log in again on every page
User Preferences Cookie
What it does: Remembers your settings like language or theme choice
How long it lasts: Up to 1 year
Why we use it: So your preferences are saved for future visits
5. Cookies From Other Companies
Sometimes we use services from other companies that also set cookies. These might include:
- Google (for analytics, ads, fonts, or maps)
- Facebook (for social features and advertising)
- YouTube (if we embed videos)
- Social media platforms (for sharing buttons)
These companies have their own privacy policies that explain how they use cookies. We encourage you to read them if you're interested in learning more.
6. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
You have complete control over cookies. Here are your options:
6.1 Through Your Web Browser
Every web browser lets you control cookies. You can:
- See what cookies are stored on your device
- Delete some or all cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Stop all cookies entirely (though this might break some website features)
To find these settings, look for "Privacy," "Security," or "Cookies" in your browser's settings menu.
6.2 Through Our Website
When you first visit our site, you'll see a notification asking about cookies. You can:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept only essential cookies
- Customize which types you want to allow
- Change your mind anytime by looking for a "Cookie Settings" link (usually in the footer)
6.3 Opting Out of Advertising Cookies
If you don't want to see personalized ads, you can opt out:
- Google Ads: Visit Google's ad settings page
- Facebook: Check your ad preferences in your Facebook settings
- General advertising: Visit the Network Advertising Initiative website
7. Your Rights
Depending on where you live, you have certain rights about how we use cookies:
- You can ask us what information we collect through cookies
- You can request that we delete cookie data we have about you
- You can withdraw your permission for non-essential cookies anytime
- You can complain to your local data protection authority if you're not satisfied
To exercise any of these rights, just contact us using the information at the end of this policy.
8. Mobile Devices
If you're using our website on a phone or tablet, you can manage cookies through:
- Your mobile browser settings (similar to desktop browsers)
- Your device's privacy settings
- Individual app settings if you're using our mobile app
9. A Note About Consent
By using our website, you automatically agree to essential cookies – we need these to make the site work. For all other cookies, we'll ask for your permission first.
You can change your mind about non-essential cookies anytime. We won't be offended! Just update your preferences through our cookie settings or clear your browser cookies.
10. Keeping Your Data Safe
We take the security of cookie data seriously. We use industry-standard security measures to protect any information collected through cookies from unauthorized access or misuse.
11. How Long We Keep Cookie Data
Different cookies last for different amounts of time:
- Session cookies disappear when you close your browser
- Some cookies last for a few hours or days
- Others might last for months or up to a few years
- You can always delete them manually through your browser settings
12. Children's Privacy
Our website isn't specifically designed for children under 13. We don't knowingly collect information from children through cookies. If we discover that we have, we'll delete it right away.
13. Changes to This Policy
We might need to update this cookie policy occasionally. When we do, we'll:
- Update the date at the top of this page
- Let you know about significant changes through our website
- Ask for new consent if required by law
We recommend checking this policy periodically to stay informed.
- Hometown Grocery Jefferson Street:608 Jefferson St.(256) 233-4511
Athens, AL 35611 - Hometown Grocery US-31:100 US-31(256) 232-2194
Athens, AL 35613
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