“I am he
As you are he
As you are me
And we are all together”
Inside Walrus Bay
Goo-goo-g’joob! Most have at least heard of the popular 1967 song “I am the Walrus” by the Beatles. It’s as memorable as it is confusing, and has been a topic of discussion for as long as the song has been around. Most would agree it’s very much open to interpretation, but local business owner Teresa Kroeger has found her own inspiration in it.
Nestled downtown on Main St. Camrose, there stands a brick faced building with large bay windows. Large gold lettering sits prominently against a teal backdrop presenting the words WALRUS BAY TRADING COMPANY. At a glance, it creates a casual curiosity, but otherwise blends seamlessly with the surrounding businesses on the street. Until you step through the doors. Heritage brick and hardwood floors contrast against modern signage and track lighting in a way that you can almost smell the quality on. You’re instantly taken aback and know that there is something different that lives there. There’s lots of things you may notice first. The smell of coffee brewing, the covers of colourful books, bottles lined neatly on chic white cabinets, vinyl records boldly stated on the walls, or maybe even some of the beautiful floral arrangements centered in the middle of the store. Realistically it could be any of these, because Walrus Bay has it all.
Something for everyone.
And why shouldn’t it be? Walrus Bay is home to 7 full time vendors offering goods under the same massive 4500 sqft. space.
“I want to fill gaps that we are currently experiencing as a whole” Teresa told me as we discussed the other businesses located downtown. “I was able to assemble the dream team…I knew exactly who I wanted to be in here with me… and they all said yes.”
The collective dream team includes Birchwood Bath and Candle, Bronze Label Boutique, Cozy Nook Bookshop, Fika Coffee, Moonstone Records, Mum’s Floral Garage, and Teresa’s own Trendy Walrus clothing.
“We have a cohesive sales team, with the same training and the same point-of-sales system… The vendors are not here actively doing sales.” Teresa explained.
She believes that operating in true department store fashion allows customers to experience the identity of each vendor while still enjoying a cohesive experience.
And, she is driven to see each and every one of them succeed and grow under her roof.
“The goal, I think, for some is that this is almost like an incubation period for them… that they can become so successful that they need more space… I am motivated to see them succeed in whatever way we can.”
“I was able to assemble the dream team…I knew exactly who I wanted to be in here with me… and they all said yes.”Teresa Kroeger
More than a store
But of course, no success story is complete without the conflict.
It’s 2026 and brick and mortar retailers are fighting battles on seemingly every front. Traditional department stores have disappeared while Amazon and ultra cheap fast fashion companies, such as Shein and Temu have fundamentally changed the way people shop.
“Everybody’s closing down, and I still love the concept, the department store concept. I’m vocally anti fast fashion… It’s awful”
Teresa stated.
And it’s true. The world has become a very fast, very impersonal place in a lot of ways.
“I believe that there’s a lot of loneliness… I think people sometimes just want to be with other people, even if they’re not engaging with them, just to be around them… I want people to come here and visit. Like, I want them to just use the space and sit and read and have a glass of wine”Teresa Kroeger
And that’s where Walrus Bay becomes something more real than just a department store. It’s a “third space”.
Teresa believes in a strong sense of community, and hopes that Walrus Bay can become more than just a store, but also a place people want to come to, just to be present.
“I want it to be a collaborative space, a community space. Just one of the things that makes people happy about living in Camrose.”
And this is exactly the vibe you feel when entering Walrus Bay. It’s very low pressure, cozy, and welcoming.
It’s very quickly becoming a place that locals go to to hang out. At only 4 months in business, Walrus Bay is hosting book clubs and other small events, is liquor licensed, and hopes to grow into new opportunities and collaborations with others.
Where the name comes from
So what does ANY of this have to do with a strange psychedelic rock song written over 50 years ago?
Well, Theresa found inspiration in the lyrics
“I am he
As you are he
As you are me
And we are all together”
Different personalities, vibes, and businesses, all together in one place. While many may criticize others for their differences, Theresa believes in finding community in them. And in true Canadian spirit, celebrates those differences in a way that creates a very unique space. And that’s so much more that a lyric. It’s a mindset that sets an example for all those that visit Walrus Bay Trading Company.
Teresa has huge plans for her space, and the community can confidently remain excited to see what the future holds for Walrus Bay.
Teresa confidently stated,
“We are just getting started.”