Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

1) INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLECTION OF PERSONAL DATA AND CONTACT DETAILS OF THE RESPONSIBLE

1.1 We are pleased that you are visiting our website and thank you for your interest. Below, we inform you about how we handle your personal data when using our website.

Personal Data: This includes all data that can personally identify you.

1.2 The controller for data processing on this website, in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), is Thompson & Co. This means that Thompson & Co – as the natural or legal entity that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of processing personal data – is responsible for processing your personal data.

1.3 For security reasons and to protect the transmission of personal data and other confidential content (e.g., orders or inquiries to the responsible party), this website uses SSL or TLS encryption. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the string “https://” and the lock symbol in your browser’s address bar.

2) DATA COLLECTION WHEN VISITING OUR WEBSITE

When using our website for informational purposes only—meaning you do not register or provide us with any other information—we only collect the data that your browser transmits to our server (so-called “server log files”).

When you access our website, we collect the following data, which is technically necessary for us to display the website:

  • Our visited website
  • Date and time of access
  • Amount of data sent (in bytes)
  • Source/reference from which you reached the page
  • Browser used
  • Operating system used
  • IP address used (if applicable, in anonymized form)

The processing of this data takes place in accordance with the principles of PIPEDA. We process this data based on the implied consent you provide by using our website. The data will not be shared with third parties or used for any other purposes unless necessary for the security and stable operation of our website, or if there are concrete indications of unlawful use. In such cases, we reserve the right to further investigate the server log files.

3) COOKIES

To enhance your browsing experience and enable certain functions, we use cookies on various pages of our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

Some of the cookies we use are deleted at the end of your browser session (so-called session cookies). Other cookies remain on your device (persistent cookies) and allow us—or our partner companies—to recognize your browser during subsequent visits. When cookies are used, they may collect and process certain user information, such as browser type, location data, and IP address information.

Persistent cookies are automatically deleted after a specified period, which may vary depending on the cookie. Certain cookies help save your settings and simplify the purchasing process (for example, by remembering the contents of your virtual shopping cart for a later visit).

You can configure your browser settings to notify you when cookies are set and to decide individually whether to accept them, disable them in certain cases, or block them altogether. Instructions for managing cookie settings differ by browser. Guidance for the most common browsers can be found at the following links:

  • Internet Explorer: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-delete-cookie-files-in-internet-explorer-bca9446f-d873-78de-77ba-d42645fa52fc
  • Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/block-websites-storing-cookies-site-data-firefox
  • Chrome: hhttps://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
  • Safari: https://support.apple.com/nl-nl/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
  • Opera: https://help.opera.com/en/latest/web-preferences/#cookies

Please note that if you do not accept cookies, the functionality of our website may be limited.

4) CONTACT US

When you contact us (for example, via our contact form or email), personal data is collected. The information you provide in the contact form is visible within that form and is used exclusively for responding to your inquiry and handling any related administrative tasks.

The processing of this data is based on your consent implied by contacting us and is carried out in accordance with PIPEDA. If your inquiry is related to the formation of a contract, the processing is necessary to facilitate that contractual relationship. Your data will be deleted once your request has been fully processed, unless we are required to retain it by law.

5) DATA PROCESSING WHEN OPENING A CUSTOMER ACCOUNT AND FOR CONTRACT EXECUTION

When you provide personal data for the purpose of contract execution or when opening a customer account, we process that data in accordance with PIPEDA. The specific data required is indicated in the relevant input fields during registration or purchase.

You may request the deletion of your customer account at any time by contacting us. Your personal data will be retained and used as necessary for contract administration. After the completion of the contract or the deletion of your account, your data will be retained only for as long as legally required and will be deleted thereafter, unless you have given explicit consent for further use.

6) USE OF YOUR DATA FOR DIRECT ADVERTISING

6.1 Registration for Our Email Newsletter
If you subscribe to our email newsletter, we will send you regular updates regarding our offers. The only information required for the newsletter subscription is your email address; any additional information is provided voluntarily.

We use a double opt-in procedure for our newsletter. This means that you will receive a confirmation request, and your newsletter subscription will only be activated once you have explicitly confirmed your consent. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link provided in the newsletter or by contacting us directly.

6.2 Sending the Email Newsletter to Existing Customers
If you have provided your email address when purchasing goods or services, we may send you periodic emails about similar products or services. This communication is based on your consent provided during the transaction. If you do not wish to receive such emails, you can opt out at any time by notifying us.

7) DATA PROCESSING FOR ORDER PROCESSING

7.1 Transfer of Personal Data to Shipping Providers

The personal data we collect is processed as part of the execution of your order and is shared with our shipping providers to facilitate the delivery of your goods. Additionally, if you choose to pay by credit card, your payment details are securely transmitted to our commissioned credit institution or payment service provider as necessary for processing your payment. This processing is required to fulfill our contractual obligations under PIPEDA.

7.2 Use of payment Service Providers

Credit Card Payments:
For credit card transactions, your payment information (such as your card number, expiration date, and security code) is processed by a PCI DSS-compliant payment service provider. This processing is essential for executing the payment and is carried out based on the necessity of the transaction. We do not store your full credit card details on our servers.

PayPal Payments
If you choose to pay via PayPal (whether using a credit card through PayPal, direct debit, or other methods offered), your payment data is forwarded to PayPal (Europe) S.a.r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg ("PayPal"). PayPal may also perform a credit check for certain payment methods. This transfer is necessary for payment processing under our contractual obligations. More detailed information on how PayPal processes your data can be found in their privacy policy:
PayPal Privacy Policy

You may object to the processing of your payment data by contacting the respective payment provider; however, please note that such processing is necessary for the execution of your transaction. If you choose to disable cookies or object to certain processing activities, some functionalities of our website may be limited.

8) CONTACT FOR RATING REMINDER

Own Review Reminder (Not Sent by a Customer Review System)

We use your email address as a one-time reminder to submit a rating for your order through our rating system, provided that you have given your express consent during or after your order. This processing is based on your consent under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA).

You may revoke your consent at any time by contacting the responsible party for data processing.

9) USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: SOCIAL PLUGINS

9.1 Facebook Plugins with Shariff Solutions

Our website uses social plugins ("plugins") from the Facebook network, operated by Facebook Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA ("Facebook"). To enhance the protection of your data when visiting our website, these buttons are not fully integrated as plugins but are implemented as HTML links. This ensures that when you visit a page on our website containing such buttons, no connection is established with Facebook servers until you click on the link.

If you click on a Facebook button, a new browser window will open, directing you to Facebook where you may log in (if required) to interact with the plugin.

For more details on data collection, processing, and privacy settings, please refer to Facebook's privacy policy:
https://www.facebook.com/policy.php

9.2 Google+ plugins as a Shariff solution

Our website also uses social plugins ("plugins") from Google+, operated by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA ("Google"). To protect your data, these buttons are not directly integrated as plugins but are implemented as HTML links. This ensures that when you visit a page on our website containing such buttons, no connection is immediately established with Google+ servers until you click on them.

If you click on a Google+ button, a new browser window will open, allowing you to interact with Google+ after logging in (if necessary).

For more details on data collection, processing, and privacy settings, please refer to Google's privacy policy:
https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/

9.3 Instagram plugin as a Shariff solution

Our website uses social plugins ("plugins") from Instagram, operated by Instagram LLC, 1601 Willow Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA ("Instagram"). To enhance data protection, these buttons are not fully embedded as plugins but are implemented as HTML links. This ensures that when you visit a page containing these buttons, no connection is made with Instagram's servers until you click on them.

If you click on an Instagram button, a new browser window will open, allowing you to interact with Instagram after logging in (if necessary).

For more details on data collection, processing, and privacy settings, please refer to Instagram's privacy policy:
https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388/

10) ONLINE-MARKETING

10.1 DoubleClick by Google

This website uses the online marketing tool DoubleClick by Google, operated by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA ("DoubleClick").

DoubleClick uses cookies to display relevant ads to users, improve campaign performance reporting, and prevent the same ads from being shown repeatedly. Google assigns a cookie ID to track which ads have been shown in a given browser, thereby preventing duplicate displays. The processing of this data is based on our legitimate business interest in optimally marketing our website, as permitted under PIPEDA.

Additionally, DoubleClick may use cookie IDs to track conversions related to ad requests. For example, if a user clicks on a DoubleClick ad and later visits the advertiser’s website using the same browser to make a purchase, this conversion may be tracked. According to Google, DoubleClick cookies do not contain personally identifiable information.

Because of the marketing tools used, your browser automatically establishes a direct connection with Google’s servers. We have no control over the scope or subsequent use of the data collected by Google through this tool. However, based on our current understanding, by integrating DoubleClick, Google is informed that you have visited certain sections of our website or clicked on one of our advertisements. If you are registered with a Google service, Google may associate this visit with your account. Even if you are not registered or logged in to Google, there remains a possibility that Google may obtain and store your IP address.

If you wish to opt out of this tracking process, you can disable conversion tracking cookies by adjusting your browser settings to block cookies from the domain www.googleadservices.com at the following link:
https://www.google.de/settings/ads

Alternatively, you can visit the Digital Advertising Alliance website at www.aboutads.info to learn more about cookie settings and adjust them accordingly. You may also configure your browser to notify you about cookies so you can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept them. Please note that if you do not accept cookies, some functionalities of our website may be limited.

Google LLC, based in the USA, complies with applicable data protection requirements for international data transfers. For more information, please refer to Google’s privacy policy:
https://www.google.de/policies/privacy/

10.2 Use of Google AdWords conversion tracking

This website uses the online advertising program Google AdWords and, as part of this program, the conversion tracking feature provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA ("Google").

Google AdWords enables us to display advertisements on external websites to promote our offers. By analyzing data related to specific advertisements, we can measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns, present you with relevant ads, improve our website’s appeal, and ensure a fair calculation of advertising costs.

A conversion tracking cookie is set when a user clicks on a Google AdWords ad. Cookies are small text files stored on your computer system, typically expiring after 30 days, and do not contain personally identifiable information. If you visit certain pages on this website before the cookie expires, both Google and we can determine that you clicked on an ad and were subsequently redirected to a conversion tracking page.

Each Google AdWords customer receives a unique cookie, which prevents tracking across different AdWords customers’ websites. The information collected through this cookie is used solely to create conversion statistics for customers who have opted for conversion tracking. These statistics indicate the total number of users who clicked on an ad and were redirected to a designated conversion tracking page without providing information that can personally identify you.

If you do not wish to participate in this tracking, you can disable conversion tracking cookies by adjusting your browser settings to block cookies from Google’s conversion tracking domains. This setting can be adjusted at the following link:
https://www.google.de/settings/ads

Google LLC, based in the USA, complies with applicable data protection requirements for international data transfers. For further information, please refer to Google’s privacy policy:
https://www.google.de/policies/privacy/

To permanently disable ad preference cookies, you can also download and install the browser plug-in available at:
https://www.google.com/settings/ads/plugin?hl=en

Please note that some features of this website may not function properly, or may only be partially available, if you disable cookies.

11) WEB ANALYSIS SERVICES

This website uses Google Analytics, a web analysis service provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA ("Google"). Google Analytics uses cookies—small text files stored on your computer—to analyze your use of our website. The information generated by these cookies (including a shortened IP address) is transmitted to a Google server in the USA and stored there.

Our implementation of Google Analytics includes the use of the “_anonymizeIp()” function, which ensures that your IP address is anonymized (i.e., shortened) before transmission. This process excludes any direct personal reference. In exceptional cases where the full IP address is transmitted to a Google server in the USA, it is subsequently anonymized. The processing is based on our legitimate business interest in the statistical analysis of user behavior for website optimization and marketing purposes, as permitted under PIPEDA.

On our behalf, Google uses this information to evaluate website usage, compile activity reports, and provide us with additional services related to website and internet usage. The IP address transmitted as part of Google Analytics data is not merged with other Google data.

You can prevent the storage of cookies by adjusting your browser settings. However, please note that this may limit your ability to use all features of our website. Additionally, you can prevent Google from collecting data generated by the cookie (including your IP address) by downloading and installing the browser plug-in available at:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en

Alternatively, if you are using a mobile device or do not wish to install the plug-in, you may click the following link to set an opt-out cookie that prevents Google Analytics from collecting data on this website in the future. Please note that this opt-out cookie only applies to the current browser and domain; if you delete your cookies, you will need to opt out again.

This website also uses Google Analytics for cross-device analysis of visitor flows via a user ID. When you first access our website, you are assigned a unique, permanent, and anonymized user ID. This allows interaction data from different devices and sessions to be attributed to a single user. The user ID does not contain personal data and is not transmitted to Google.

You can object to the collection and storage of data via the user ID at any time by deactivating Google Analytics on all devices you use (e.g., on another browser or mobile device). To disable Google Analytics, you can use the browser plug-in mentioned above:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en

For further information about Google Universal Analytics, please visit:
https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/2838718?hl=en

12) RETARGETING/ REMARKETING/ REFERRAL ADVERTISING

12.1 Facebook Custom Audience via the Pixel Process

This website uses the Facebook Pixel, a tracking tool provided by Facebook Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA ("Facebook"). With your explicit consent, this tool allows us to track user behavior after you have seen or clicked on a Facebook advertisement.

This process helps evaluate the effectiveness of Facebook ads for statistical analysis and market research purposes, and may contribute to optimizing future advertising campaigns.

The data collected through the Facebook Pixel remains anonymous to us, meaning we cannot derive any personal information from it. However, Facebook may store and process this data, which can be linked to individual user profiles. Facebook may use this data for its own advertising purposes, as described in Facebook’s data policy:
https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/

Users may permit Facebook and its partners to display ads both on and off Facebook. For these purposes, Facebook may also store a cookie on your device. These processing activities occur only after you have provided explicit consent in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy law.

Consent for the use of Facebook Pixel can only be granted by users aged 13 and older. If you are under 13, we ask that you obtain permission from a legal guardian.

Facebook Inc., based in the USA, adheres to frameworks designed to ensure compliance with data protection standards.

To disable cookies on your device, you can adjust your browser settings to block future cookie storage or delete existing cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may limit the functionality of our website.

You may also disable cookies from third parties, such as Facebook, via the Digital Advertising Alliance website:
https://www.aboutads.info/choices/

12.2 Google AdWords Remarketing

This website uses the Google AdWords Remarketing function, which enables us to promote our website in Google search results and on third-party websites. This service is provided by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA ("Google").

For this purpose, Google places a cookie in your browser that automatically assigns a pseudonymous cookie ID. This ID facilitates interest-based advertising based on your past visits to our website and other online activities. The processing is based on our legitimate interest in optimally marketing our website, in line with Canadian privacy principles.

Any further data processing will occur only if you have explicitly consented to Google linking your internet and app browsing history to your Google account. In such cases, Google may combine your data with Google Analytics data to create audience lists for cross-device remarketing. Your personal data is temporarily linked with Google Analytics data solely for forming target groups.

How to Disable Google AdWords Remarketing:

Alternatively, you may configure your browser to notify you when cookies are set so that you can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept them. Please note that if you choose not to accept cookies, some features of our website may be limited.

Google LLC, based in the USA, complies with applicable data protection requirements. For further details on Google's data protection and advertising policies, please visit:
https://www.google.com/policies/technologies/ads/

13) RIGHTS OF THE AFFECTED PARTY

13.1 Your Rights Under Data Protection Law

Under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding the processing of your personal data:

  • Right of Access: You may request information about the personal data we hold about you, including details on the purposes for processing, the categories of data, the recipients (or categories thereof) with whom your data has been shared, and the retention period.

  • Right to Correction: If you believe that any personal data we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request that we correct or complete this information.

  • Right to Withdraw Consent: If you have provided consent for the processing of your personal data, you may withdraw your consent at any time with future effect. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before your consent was withdrawn.

  • Right to Object: If we process your personal data based on our legitimate business interests, you have the right to object to such processing if it affects your rights and freedoms. Should you exercise this right, we will cease processing your data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests.

  • Right to Complain: If you believe that the processing of your personal data does not comply with applicable privacy laws, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

13.2 Right To Object

If you wish to exercise any of these rights or if you have any questions regarding our data processing practices, please contact us using the contact details provided in this privacy policy.

14) DURATION OF STORAGE OF PERSONAL DATA

The duration of storage of personal data is determined based on the respective legal retention period (e.g. commercial and tax law retention periods). After the deadline, the relevant data will be sent routinely deleted unless they are no longer required to fulfill the contract or are necessary to initiate a contract and/or there is no legitimate interest on our part continues to be stored.