In addition to managing 7-Eleven convenience stores, Ito-Yokado of Tokyo owned and operated multi-story food and general merchandise stores throughout Japan. In an unannounced agreement initiated in 1992, the Tokyo giant purchased approximately $2 million of private label merchandise from Wal-Mart's Sam's Wholesaling Club. Items purchased included, among others, groceries, T-shirts, tableware, toys, and pet food. The products were exported to Japan from the distribution centers operated by Wal-Mart in the U.S. and were priced in ranges approximately 20% to 60% cheaper than similar products sold in Japan. The 1993 treaty was considered, by both parties, a first test of Wal-Mart private label goods in Japan.