Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy - Mermaid Creamery
Effective Date: July 4, 2026
At Mermaid Creamery, we value the privacy and security of our customers, employees, website visitors, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal information in compliance with applicable Virginia and federal privacy laws.
By visiting our store, using our website, placing an order, signing up for promotions, applying for employment, or interacting with us online or in person, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
Personal Information
• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing or delivery address
• Payment information
• Date of birth for rewards or birthday promotions
• Employment application information
• Loyalty or rewards account information
- Automatically Collected Information-
When using our website or online ordering systems, we may automatically collect:
• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Website activity and analytics
• Cookies and tracking technologies
• Approximate location data
- In-Store Information-
For security and operational purposes, we may collect:
• Video surveillance footage
• Transaction records
• Customer service communications
2. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
• Process purchases and payments
• Fulfill orders and deliveries
• Respond to customer inquiries
• Send promotions, coupons, and updates
• Operate loyalty or rewards programs
• Improve products, services, and customer experience
• Maintain store safety and prevent theft or fraud
• Process employment applications
• Comply with legal obligations
3. Virginia Privacy Law Compliance
Virginia privacy laws provide protections regarding the collection, use, and sale of personal information.
Under the Virginia Personal Information Privacy Act, merchants must provide notice before selling customer information collected during retail transactions.
The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), effective January 1, 2023, provides certain privacy rights to Virginia consumers and establishes responsibilities for businesses that process qualifying amounts of personal data.
Although small retail businesses like independent ice cream shops may not meet the VCDPA thresholds, Mermaid Creamery voluntarily follows reasonable privacy and security practices consistent with Virginia consumer privacy standards.
Virginia consumers may request:
• Access to personal information we maintain
• Correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion of certain information where applicable 2
• Removal from marketing communications
To make a privacy-related request, contact us using the information below.
4. Sale or Sharing of Information
Mermaid Creamery does not sell customer personal information to third parties for profit. We may share information with trusted service providers necessary to operate our business, including:
• Payment processors
• Online ordering providers
• Website hosting companies
• Marketing and email service providers
• Delivery partners
• Government or law enforcement agencies when legally required
• Any third-party service providers are expected to maintain appropriate safeguards for customer information.
5. Cookies and Web Technologies
Our website may use cookies, pixels, and analytics technologies to:
• Improve website performance
• Remember user preferences
• Analyze website traffic
• Support marketing efforts
Users may disable cookies through browser settings, though certain features may not function properly.
6. Marketing Communications
Customers who sign up for emails, text alerts, rewards programs, or promotions may receive marketing communications from Mermaid Creamery.
You may opt out at any time by:
• Clicking “unsubscribe” in emails
• Replying STOP to text messages
• Contacting us directly
7. Data Security
We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse, or destruction. Virginia privacy laws encourage businesses to maintain reasonable data security measures appropriate to the nature of collected information.
However, no electronic transmission or storage method is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed toward children under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.
9. Employment Applications
Information submitted through employment applications will only be used for employment-related purposes and maintained according to applicable laws and company policies.
10. Security Cameras and Surveillance
For safety, operational, and loss-prevention purposes, our store premises may use video surveillance systems. Recorded footage may be reviewed during investigations involving safety, theft, property damage, or legal matters
11. Third-Party Websites and Services
Our website or social media pages may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. Updated versions will be posted with a revised effective date.
13. Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or would like to make a privacy request, please contact:
Mermaid Creamery
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Email: info@mermaidcreamery.com
Phone: 757-904-1633
Website: www.mermaidcreamery.com
For additional information regarding Virginia consumer privacy laws, consumers may contact the Virginia Attorney General Consumer Protection Section.