Privacy Policy

Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, Inc.

1. Introduction

At the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, Inc. (“Co-op,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), your trust matters. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information about you when you:

• Become a Co-op member
• Shop in our stores
• Access or use our websites, mobile applications, or other online services (collectively, the “Services”)
• Participate in programs, classes, or events
• Otherwise interact with us

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date and, where appropriate, provide additional notice (such as a website announcement).

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide to Us

We collect information you provide directly to us when you:

• Become a member
• Shop in our stores
• Participate in classes, programs, promotions, surveys, sweepstakes, or events
• Subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists
• Engage with us on social media
• Contact us via phone, email, or other methods

This information may include: Name, Address, Phone number, Email address, ZIP code, Photos and videos, Social media usernames, Payment information, Demographic information, Shopping and purchase history, and Interests and preferences.

If you provide information about another person (such as purchasing a gift card or registering someone for a class), we use that information only to fulfill your request and communicate about the transaction. We do not send marketing communications to those individuals unless they independently opt in.

B. Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our Services or shop with us, we may automatically collect:

• Transaction Information: Product details, purchase price, date, and store location.
• Usage & Log Information: Browser type, access times, pages viewed, referring pages, and browsing activity.
• Device Information: IP address, hardware model, operating system, device identifiers, browser type, and mobile network information.
• Location Information: With your consent, we may collect precise location information. We may also collect approximate location data automatically. Precise location information (within 1,750 feet) is sensitive data under the New Hampshire Data Privacy Act. We collect precise location data only with your explicit opt-in consent. You may withdraw this consent at any time via your device settings.
• Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about browsing behavior and interactions with our Services.

C. Information from Other Sources

We may receive information from third parties, such as demographic data providers and social media platforms (if you log in via social media or make content publicly available). We may combine this information with other data we have about you.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Administer memberships and communicate about member benefits, elections, and meetings
• Process transactions and send confirmations, invoices, recall notices, and updates
• Provide customer service
• Send promotional communications (if you opt in)
• Personalize content and advertising
• Conduct research, surveys, and analytics
• Improve our Services
• Prevent fraud and unlawful activity
• Administer contests and promotions
• Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information:

• With service providers performing business functions (including payment processors, shipping and fulfillment providers, email and SMS delivery services, data analytics providers, fraud prevention services, and advertising technology providers).
• When you participate in interactive features that display information publicly (e.g., reviews, posts).
• When required by law or legal process.
• To enforce our policies or protect rights, safety, and property.
• In connection with mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, or bankruptcy.
• With your consent.

We may also share aggregated or de-identified information that cannot reasonably identify you.

5. Advertising & Analytics

We may allow third parties to provide advertising and analytics services. These providers may use cookies and other technologies to collect information about your online activity across websites and services.

If you are a New Hampshire resident, you have the right to opt out of the use of your personal data for targeted advertising. To opt out, contact us at memberservices@coopfoodstore.com. We also honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals; if your browser transmits a GPC signal, we will treat it as a valid opt-out request for targeted advertising.

This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party tracking technologies. We encourage you to review their privacy policies and manage your advertising preferences through available industry tools.

6. Social Media & Third-Party Links

Our Services may include social sharing features (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Your use of those features is governed by the privacy policies of those third parties.

Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites.

7. Children’s Privacy

Parents or guardians may provide information for participation in Co-op programs such as Kids Club or Kids Cooking Classes. Information collected may include: Child’s name, Date of birth, Address, Parent/guardian contact information, Emergency contact information, and Medical information (allergies, medications, dietary needs, physician contact).

8. Your Choices & Privacy Preferences

Updating Your Information

You may update member account information in person at any Customer Relations Desk, by emailing memberservices@coopfoodstore.com, or by logging into your online account. You may request account deactivation by emailing the same address. We may retain certain information as required by law or legitimate business purposes.

Marketing Communications

You may opt out of promotional emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in emails or following instructions in the communication. We may still send non-promotional communications related to purchases, membership, or business operations.

Location & Cookies

You may disable location sharing via your device settings. Most browsers allow you to manage or reject cookies. Note that doing so may impact website functionality.

New Hampshire Consumer Rights

If you are a resident of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Data Privacy Act (RSA 507-H) grants you the following rights with respect to your personal data:

• Right to Confirm and Access: You may request confirmation of whether we process your personal data and obtain a copy of that data.
• Right to Correct: You may request that we correct inaccuracies in your personal data.
• Right to Delete: You may request that we delete personal data we have collected about you, subject to exceptions permitted by law.
• Right to Data Portability: You may request a portable, readily usable copy of your personal data.
• Right to Opt Out of Targeted Advertising: You may opt out of the processing of your personal data for targeted advertising. See Section 5 above or simply click the opt-out link in any email or text you receive from us.
• Right to Opt Out of Sale: We do not sell your personal data. You may nevertheless submit an opt-out request to confirm our practices.
• Right to Opt Out of Profiling: You may opt out of profiling in furtherance of solely automated decisions that produces legal or similarly significant effects concerning you.

To submit a request to exercise any of the above rights, please contact us by:

• Email: memberservices@coopfoodstore.com
• Online: [COMING SOON! BEAR WITH US, FRIENDS!]
• In person at any Customer Relations Desk

We will not require you to create a new account to submit a request, but may require use of an existing account. We will authenticate your identity before processing your request. We will respond within 45 days of receipt. If we require additional time, we may extend this period by an additional 45 days and will notify you within the initial 45-day period. We will fulfill requests free of charge once per consumer per 12-month period.

Appealing a Decision

If we decline to take action on your rights request, we will inform you of our decision and the reason within the response period. You may appeal our decision by submitting a written appeal to memberservices@coopfoodstore.com with the subject line “Privacy Rights Appeal.” We will respond to your appeal within 60 days. If your appeal is denied, you may submit a complaint to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau at CPB-DOJ@doj.nh.gov or https://www.doj.nh.gov.

9. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure.

10. United States Law

The Co-op is based in the United States. By using our Services, you consent to the transfer, processing, and storage of your information in the United States in accordance with U.S. law.

Terms of Use

Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, Inc.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our websites, mobile applications, or Services, you agree to these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old or have parental/guardian consent to use our Services. Certain programs may have additional eligibility requirements.

3. Membership

Membership in the Co-op is governed by our bylaws and policies. Membership benefits, voting rights, and patronage refunds are subject to those governing documents and may change from time to time.

4. Use of Services

You agree to use our Services only for lawful purposes. You may not:

• Violate any applicable law or regulation
• Interfere with or disrupt the security of our Services
• Attempt unauthorized access to systems or accounts
• Post unlawful, harmful, defamatory, or infringing content

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access for violations.

5. User Content

If you submit reviews, comments, photos, or other content:

• You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, and display such content in connection with our business.
• You represent that you have the right to provide the content and that it does not violate any laws or third-party rights.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on our Services — including text, graphics, logos, images, and software — is the property of the Co-op or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our written consent.

7. Third-Party Links & Services

Our Services may link to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their content, policies, or practices.

8. Disclaimers

Our Services are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Co-op shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our Services.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Co-op from claims, damages, and expenses arising from your misuse of the Services or violation of these Terms.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the States of New Hampshire and Vermont in which the Co-op operates, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Text Messages & Mobile Communications

If you provide your mobile phone number to the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, Inc., you may receive text messages from us related to your membership, transactions, account activity, events, promotions, or other Co-op updates.

Consent to Receive Text Messages

By providing your mobile number and opting in to receive text messages, you expressly consent to receive recurring automated or non-automated marketing and non-marketing text messages from the Co-op at the number you provided. Consent to receive marketing text messages is not required as a condition of membership or purchase.

Types of Text Messages

Text communications may include:

• Membership updates and reminders
• Order confirmations and transaction alerts
• Event and class notifications
• Promotional offers and special announcements
• Service-related or administrative messages

Message Details & Policies

• Message Frequency: Message frequency may vary depending on your interactions with us.
• Message & Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier plan. The Co-op is not responsible for any fees charged by your carrier.
• Opting Out: You may opt out of receiving promotional text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message you receive. After opting out, you may receive a final confirmation message. For assistance, reply HELP or contact us at memberservices@coopfoodstore.com. Please note that even if you opt out of marketing text messages, we may still send you non-promotional messages related to transactions, safety recalls, or your membership.
• Mobile Information Sharing: We do not sell, rent, or share mobile phone numbers with third parties for their own marketing purposes. Mobile information will only be shared with service providers who assist us in delivering text messaging services and only as necessary to provide those services.

ADDITION TO TERMS OF USE: Mobile Messaging Terms

By enrolling in any Co-op text messaging program, you agree to receive recurring text messages from the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, Inc. at the mobile number provided. You acknowledge and agree that:

• Your consent to receive marketing messages is not a condition of purchase or membership.
• Message frequency may vary.
• Message and data rates may apply.
• You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.
• You may receive a confirmation message after opting out.
• The Co-op reserves the right to modify or terminate its text messaging programs at any time without notice.