Alibaba, a global leader in e-commerce and technology, made a splash at the Paris Olympics with its innovative „Wonder Avenue“ pavilion on the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysées. While the company has been a partner of the Olympics since 2017, this was the first time they took center stage with a physical presence that showcased their cutting-edge AI technology and vision for the future of e-commerce.
The four-room pavilion welcomed between 1,600 and 2,000 visitors daily, offering a glimpse into how AI can revolutionize the way we shop for beauty and fashion products. Guests were invited to create personalized avatars by taking a photo, then virtually try on different looks and receive tailored recommendations based on their preferences. This interactive experience allowed visitors to explore the intersection of technology and fashion in a fun and engaging way.
Chris Tung, Alibaba Group’s president of strategic development, described the pavilion as a „time machine“ that brings the future of shopping to the present. The company’s use of AI technology not only enhances the online shopping experience but also opens up new possibilities for personalized products like fragrances and cosmetics. By allowing guests to experiment with different makeup looks, create custom fragrances, and design unique outfits for their avatars, Alibaba demonstrated the potential of AI in shaping the future of retail.
In addition to showcasing its AI capabilities in the beauty and fashion sectors, Alibaba also introduced its Smart Virtual Boxing project at Wonder Avenue. This innovative project used AI to analyze virtual boxing matches, providing real-time commentary and predicting future performance. While the focus of the Olympics is on physical athleticism, Alibaba’s foray into virtual sports highlights the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in sports and entertainment.
Selina Yuan, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence president of international business, emphasized the growing popularity of virtual sports worldwide and the role of innovative technologies in expanding accessibility and participation in sports. The company’s dedication to driving innovation in both traditional sports and e-sports underscores their commitment to shaping the future of sports entertainment.
As the Olympics come to a close, Alibaba’s Wonder Avenue pavilion will reopen its doors for the Paralympics, continuing to showcase the company’s AI technology and vision for the future of e-commerce. With plans to remain an Olympic partner for future games, including the Milan Winter Games in 2026 and the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028, Alibaba is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation on the global stage.