The daily Houston Chronicle has been working with local retailers, putting their new products on an auction web site for a one to two week period. The auction and various items were promoted in a printed insert of the newspaper.

The paper will receive the proceeds from the auction, which is free for retailers with biddable items. The winning bidders pick up their items at the retailer’s store.

Based on the value of the items sold, the retailer earns ad credits that can be used toward payment for print or online advertising in the paper.