Alibaba Hosts Taobao Maker Festival in September
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China’s millennial generation is the driving force behind the shift from “Made in China” to “Created in China.” To celebrate this new generation of makers, and the consumers who are increasingly looking for unique, niche brands and products to express themselves, Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) will host its Taobao Maker Festival from September 13-16, 2018 at the iconic West Lake in Hangzhou. Founded in 2016, this year’s event will be the biggest yet, bringing together hundreds of Taobao creators to showcase their innovations.
The four-day event will draw inspiration from the city’s rich heritage and folklore and transform the picturesque West Lake into an exciting offline bazaar, featuring innovative products, cutting-edge technologies, indie designer fashion shows, live concerts, and more. Centered around the intersection of tradition and innovation, the festival will spotlight unique millennial merchants such as Chinese costume brand Kongxuansi, which sells clothes inspired by the embroidered uniforms of Ming dynasty imperial guards. The venue will also feature a 300-square-meter “futuristic shopping area” powered by AR, where thousands of visitors can discover brands, visualize in-home decor, and enjoy animated virtual companions as they shop using headsets.
Taobao is the world’s largest mobile shopping destination and more than half of its 610 million mobile active users are in their 20s and 30s. According to KPMG, millennials will become the biggest spenders in China in the next five years. Now in its third year, the Taobao Maker Festival has not only become an annual gathering for entrepreneurs to demonstrate their creativity, but also a window for the world to better understand China’s aspirational young consumers.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the main purpose of the Taobao Maker Festival?
What is the main purpose of the Taobao Maker Festival?
The festival aims to celebrate China's new generation of creators and the consumers seeking unique products. It also serves as an annual gathering for entrepreneurs to show their creativity and for the world to understand aspirational young Chinese consumers.
Q.Where and when will the 2018 Taobao Maker Festival take place?
Where and when will the 2018 Taobao Maker Festival take place?
The 2018 Taobao Maker Festival will be held from September 13-16 at the iconic West Lake in Hangzhou. This four-day event will draw inspiration from the city’s rich heritage and folklore.
Q.What kind of innovative features can visitors expect at this year's festival?
What kind of innovative features can visitors expect at this year's festival?
Visitors can experience a 300-square-meter futuristic shopping area using AR, allowing them to discover brands, visualise home decor, and interact with animated virtual companions while shopping with headsets.
Q.Who is the primary demographic for Taobao and this festival?
Who is the primary demographic for Taobao and this festival?
More than half of Taobao's 610 million mobile active users are in their 20s and 30s. The festival specifically targets China's millennial generation, who are increasingly influential as consumers and creators.