BigCommerce Cookie Banner Fix: Correcting a Common Formatting Glitch in Cornerstone

Addressing a Minor Yet Visible BigCommerce Cookie Banner Flaw

A seemingly small detail can sometimes have a significant impact on a customer's first impression of an online store. This BigCommerce forum thread highlights a common, yet often overlooked, formatting error in the default cookie consent banner that many merchants using the BigCommerce platform, particularly with the popular Cornerstone theme, might encounter.

The issue, brought to attention by user Michelle Helgeland, points out a missing space in the standard cookie consent text: "We use cookies (and other similar technologies) to collect data to improve your shopping experience.By using our website, you're agreeing to the collection of data as described in our Privacy Policy." The lack of a space before the word 'By' creates an unprofessional visual glitch that, while minor, can detract from the overall polish of a storefront.

The Challenge: Locating the Elusive Cookie Banner Text

Initially, the challenge for merchants and developers alike is often identifying where to make such a correction. Unlike some other customizable elements, the cookie consent banner text isn't always directly exposed through intuitive theme settings or easily identifiable template files. This leads to the common misconception that it might be a hard-coded element controlled solely by BigCommerce, making it inaccessible for user modification.

The Solution: Diving into Theme Language Files

Solomon Lite, a helpful community member, provided the crucial insight. He clarified that for themes like Cornerstone, the cookie banner text is not found in a dedicated template file but rather within the theme's language files. Specifically, for English storefronts, the relevant file is:

assets/lang/en.json

Within this JSON file, merchants or developers need to search for keys related to "cookieConsent" or similar identifiers. The text string for the banner is typically split into two parts that combine to form the full sentence. The missing space can then be added directly into the relevant string within this file.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Cornerstone Users:

1. Access Theme Files: Navigate to your BigCommerce Admin Panel > Storefront > Theme Marketplace (or My Themes) > Current Theme > Advanced > Edit Theme Files.
2. Locate the Language File: In the theme editor, browse to

   assets/lang/en.json

   .
3. Search for Cookie Consent Text: Use the search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) within the editor to look for phrases like "cookieConsent" or parts of the banner text like "By using our website".
4. Add the Space: Identify the specific string where the first sentence ends and the second begins. Insert a space at the beginning of the second string (e.g., changing "By using..." to " By using...").
5. Save and Apply: Save your changes and apply them to your storefront.

Community Impact and Best Practices

This thread serves as an excellent example of the BigCommerce community's collaborative spirit in solving specific platform nuances. While BigCommerce strives for perfection, minor formatting issues can arise. Knowing how to access and modify theme language files is a valuable skill for any BigCommerce merchant or developer, ensuring a polished and professional user experience.

For those considering a BigCommerce migration or optimizing their existing store, understanding these granular customization points is key to maintaining brand consistency and professionalism across all customer touchpoints, even down to the cookie consent banner.