South Africa, Oct. 9 -- Accurate stock information, fast responses, confirmed payments and realistic collection or delivery times can become critical when hundreds of customer interactions happen within a compressed trading window.

South African fashion and lifestyle business AbashRock General Trading is using its preparations for Black Friday 2026 to tighten these operational processes, highlighting some of the practical challenges smaller retailers face when demand suddenly increases.

When WhatsApp becomes the shop floor

For smaller businesses, WhatsApp and social media can function as important sales and customer-service channels.

A customer may see a pair of sneakers on Instagram or another digital platform and immediately want to...