Privacy policy

Last updated: 10/06/2026

This Privacy Policy describes how The Lokal Shop (Pty) Ltd ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores and discloses your personal information when you visit or make use of www.thelokal.co.za (the "Site") or interact with any related services (the "Services"). "You" refers to any visitor, customer or individual whose information we process.

By accessing or using the Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site and Services.

1. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. When updates are made, we will revise the "Last updated" date and post the new version on this page.

2. Personal information we collect

Information you provide directly:

Contact details (name, address, email, phone)
Order and payment information
Account details (username, password)
Customer support messages or enquiries

Information collected automatically:

IP address and device and browser type
Site usage and navigation data
Cookies and tracking data — see Shopify's cookie policy: https://www.shopify.com/legal/cookies

Information from third parties:

We may receive information from Shopify (our store platform), payment processors, and service providers handling analytics, fulfilment, or technical support. Any third-party data received is handled under this Policy.

3. How we use your personal information
We use your information to process orders and payments, arrange delivery and manage returns, communicate order updates, manage and secure your account, send newsletters and promotions where you have opted in (you may opt out at any time), detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorised activity, and analyse usage to improve the Site and our services.

4. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Site, analyse performance, and improve your experience. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not function correctly.

5. Sharing your personal information
We may share your information with Shopify and other service providers, payment processors, fulfilment and logistics partners, marketing and analytics partners, and legal or regulatory authorities where required by law. We do not sell your personal information.

6. Third-party links
This Site may link to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing personal information.

7. Children's data
Our Services are restricted to individuals 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor has provided information, please contact us at connect@thelokal.co.za so we can delete it.

8. Security and retention
We take reasonable technical and organisational steps to protect your information. We retain personal information only as long as necessary for legal compliance, order fulfilment, account management, and business operations. No system is fully secure — please avoid sending sensitive data via unsecured channels.

9. Your rights
You may access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information, object to or withdraw consent for processing, request data portability, and manage your communication preferences. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at connect@thelokal.co.za. We may require identity verification before actioning a request.

10. POPIA notice (South Africa)
We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA). Personal information is processed lawfully, minimally, securely, and only for the purposes outlined in this Policy.

Under POPIA you have the right to be informed when your information is collected, to request access, correction or deletion, to object to processing, to withdraw consent, and to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.

For POPIA-related requests: connect@thelokal.co.za
Information Regulator (South Africa):
Website: https://inforegulator.org.za
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
Tel: 010 023 5207

11. PAIA notice (South Africa)
In accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 (PAIA), you may request access to records held by The Lokal Shop (Pty) Ltd that are required for the exercise or protection of your rights.
PAIA requests must be submitted in writing to:
Email: connect@thelokal.co.za
Address: 95 7th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa
The PAIA Guide issued by the Information Regulator is available at https://inforegulator.org.za.

12. International transfers
Your data may be transferred outside South Africa. Where required, we rely on legally recognised safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

13. Complaints
If you believe your rights have been infringed, please contact us at connect@thelokal.co.za. You may also lodge a complaint directly with the Information Regulator at https://inforegulator.org.za.

14. Contact
Email: connect@thelokal.co.za
Address: 95 7th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa