Cookie Policy

What cookies are

Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device — your computer, phone, or tablet — when you visit. They let a site remember things between page loads and between visits, such as what is in your basket or whether you have already dismissed a banner. Cookies cannot run programs or carry viruses, and the ones we use cannot read other files on your device. Some cookies are strictly necessary for the site to function; others are optional and only set with your consent.

Alongside cookies, websites can use similar technologies such as local storage and pixels. Where we mention "cookies" in this policy, we mean cookies and these comparable technologies together. This Cookie Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle any personal data more broadly.

Why we use cookies

We use cookies for a small number of clear purposes: to keep the shop working (remembering your basket and keeping your session secure), to remember your preferences so we do not pester you, and — only with your permission — to understand in aggregate how the site is used so we can improve it. We deliberately keep our use of cookies to the minimum needed to run a good bookshop; we are not in the business of tracking you around the internet.

The cookies we use

The cookies on ape-xyield.com fall into three categories:

• Essential cookies: remember your cart contents and cookie choice, and keep the site secure. These are always on because the shop cannot function without them, they cannot be switched off through our banner, and they store no personal identity.
• Preference cookies: remember small choices you make, such as dismissing the cookie banner or the reading level you filter by, so your experience stays consistent and we do not nag you on every page.
• Analytics cookies: help us see which pages and books are popular, using anonymised, aggregated data such as page views and rough device type. We only set these if you accept them, and they never identify you personally.

Most of the storage we rely on is first-party (set by ape-xyield.com itself) and lives in your browser's local storage rather than as a traditional cookie — for example, your basket is stored locally on your own device, not on our servers.

How long cookies last

Cookies are either "session" cookies, which are deleted when you close your browser, or "persistent" cookies, which remain for a set period. Our essential session cookies disappear when you leave. Preference storage, such as your cookie choice, persists so we can honour it on your next visit — typically for up to twelve months — after which you will be asked again. Analytics data is retained in aggregated form only. You can clear any of it at any time (see below).

What we don't do

We do not use advertising cookies that follow you around the web, we do not build advertising profiles, and we do not sell or rent cookie data to third parties. We do not use cookies to make automated decisions about you. If we ever decide to add advertising or third-party tracking in the future, we will update this page, clearly describe the new cookies, and ask for your explicit consent before setting any of them.

Managing your choices

When you first visit, our banner lets you accept or reject non-essential cookies with a single click. Your choice is remembered so we do not ask again on every page. You can change your mind at any time: clearing this site's cookies and local storage in your browser will make the banner reappear, letting you choose afresh. You can also block or delete cookies entirely through your browser settings — though be aware that if you block essential cookies, some features, such as the basket, may then not work as smoothly or at all.

Browser controls

Every major browser lets you view, block, and delete cookies, and control whether sites can set them. You will usually find these options under "Privacy", "Privacy and security", or "Settings" in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. You can also set your browser to warn you before a cookie is stored, or to run in a private/incognito mode that clears cookies when you finish. The independent site aboutcookies.org has clear, up-to-date, step-by-step instructions for each major browser and device if you would like a detailed guide. On mobile devices, cookie controls are usually found within your browser app's settings menu.

Third-party content

Some pages may include embedded third-party content, such as a map showing our London location. These providers may set their own cookies when their content loads. We do not control these cookies; they are governed by the provider's own privacy and cookie policies. Where such content is not essential, we aim to load it only where it adds genuine value, and we keep the number of third-party embeds to a minimum.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy as our site evolves, as the technologies we use change, or as the law is updated. Any material changes will appear here with a new "last updated" date, and where a change affects your consent choices we will ask you again through the banner. We encourage you to review this page from time to time. For anything unclear, email hello@ape-xyield.com and we will gladly explain it in plain terms.