GoPuff, a 24-hour online delivery service, has expanded to the Northeast.
The 24-hour online delivery service goPuff is in 36 cities, and now folks in the Northeast can place their orders.
The service started in Philadelphia in 2013, Rafael Ilishayev and Jakir Gola were sophomore Drexel students living in a six-person apartment. Gola was the only one who drove, and Ilishayev recalls the others constantly asking, “Yakir, can we get drinks? Yakir, can we get snacks?”
Locally, goPuff services the Center City and Manayunk areas. And now, as of two weeks ago, Northeast residents can take advantage of the delivery service.
Consumers are invited to download the goPuff app or visit gopuff.com
In addition, they can visit the store at 3501 Cottman Ave., next to Kiki Furniture. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
The online service, though, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at 855–400-PUFF.
The menu includes beer, ice, snacks, ice cream pints, home goods, party favors, medication, batteries, smoking-related items and “anything you can find in a convenience store,” Ilishayev said.
“The price is the same as going to the store,” said Ed Hazzouri, goPuff’s chief of staff.
Diapers are coming in the summer, and the goPuff people really hope the state privatizes wine and spirits sales. Other items could be stocked.
“It’s very interactive. Customers give recommendations,” Hazzouri said.
Each delivery costs $1.95. Deliveries of $49 or more are free. Delivery time averages about 31 or 32 minutes.
“You’ll be greeted by a smiling face,” Ilishayev said.
The Russian-born Ilishayev, 25, describes it as convenience on wheels.
“We’re really focused on convenience retail,” he said. “We really appeal to the masses.”
Ilishayev and Gola are the co-CEOs, and goPuff is expanding to as many as four markets a month..
“We’re 400 people strong nationally,” Ilishayev said.
There were doubters in the beginning, according to Ilishayev, who planned to go to law school before business boomed.
“We were 19 years old. I don’t blame them,” he said of the doubters.
Even today, Ilishayev makes deliveries once a week because he likes interacting with customers.
“It’s in our blood,” he said.
Count Marc Collazzo, executive director of the Mayfair Business Improvement District, as a fan of the eclectic selection.
“We’re thrilled. This is a general store at your fingertips,” he said.
Collazzo said goPuff’s opening on Cottman Avenue shows Mayfair is open for business. He likens goPuff to successful Mayfair startups such as Chickie’s & Pete’s, Philly Pretzel Factory, Art History 101 and Factory Donuts.
Besides offering customer convenience, goPuff is adding to the employment rolls. Ilishayev said 30 percent of his store general managers started as drivers.
To show its commitment to the Northeast, goPuff has become a sponsor of the Mayfair BID.
“We’re always happy to help the community,” Ilishayev said. ••
