Walmart puts pharmacists in a new role in five rural communities

Walmart is piloting a Health Ambassador role staffed by pharmacists in five rural communities for six months, according to Walmart's announcement, dated September 15.

Five communities and six months make this a small test by Walmart standards, and that is the point. It is a way to find out whether a person with a health title earns more trust than a shelf of health products. The biggest retailer in America is behaving like a health brand.

Watch what the pilot measures. If Walmart reports on trust and repeat visits, the role is a brand play. If it reports on outcomes, it is something bigger.

Kyle Duford, Founder & Editor, BRNDWIRE. More from Kyle →