Cookie policy
The cookies we set, why we set them, and how to control them under UK PECR and UK GDPR.
Last updated
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files stored in your browser. We also use similar technologies — localStorage, sessionStorage, and pixel tags — which this policy refers to collectively as cookies.
Managing your preferences
When you first visit HomeDeal we show a cookie banner. Click Accept all, Reject non-essential, or Manage preferences to fine-tune which categories load. You can re-open the preferences any time:
We re-ask for consent once a year, or immediately if we add a new category. Your choice is stored in a cookie called consent_v1, with a 365-day lifetime.
The four cookie categories
1. Strictly necessary (always on)
Essential for the site to work — shopping cart, secure checkout, session authentication, fraud prevention. These load without consent.
| Cookie | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
_medusa_cart_id | Your current shopping cart | 7 days |
_medusa_jwt | Signed-in session token | 7 days |
consent_v1 | Your cookie preference choice | 365 days |
2. Analytics (consent)
Help us understand what pages are read, which products are viewed, and where checkout drops off. Data is aggregated — we don't use it to target you individually.
| Cookie | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
_ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 — session and user identification | 2 years |
_gid | GA4 daily visitor count | 24 hours |
3. Marketing / advertising (consent)
Measure the performance of our ads and help us show relevant products on other sites. Firing of these cookies is gated by Google Consent Mode v2 — without consent, pings are transmitted without identifiers.
| Cookie / pixel | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
_gcl_* | Google Ads conversion tracking | 90 days |
_pin_unauth, _pinterest_* | Pinterest conversion tracking | 1 year |
| Meta Pixel | Facebook / Instagram conversion tracking | 90 days |
| Awin tracking pixel | Affiliate attribution | 30 days |
4. Functional (consent)
Enable non-essential site features — e.g. remembering preferences beyond the default, watched videos, or embedded third-party widgets.
Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services rendered on our pages (e.g. embedded YouTube videos, Trustpilot widget). These load only after consent and are governed by the third party's own privacy policy.
Browser-level controls
Most browsers let you block all cookies or all third-party cookies. Check your browser's help pages — note that blocking strictly necessary cookies will break parts of the site (cart, checkout, sign in).
Legal basis
We rely on your consent under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) for all cookies except strictly necessary ones, which are loaded under our legitimate interest in providing the service you requested.
See our privacy policy for how the data collected via cookies is processed, retained, and your rights over it.
Contact
Questions about this policy? Email privacy@homedeal.co.uk.