There is a silver lining to the U.S. Postal Service's decision to shut down 3,653 facilities over the next year although affected post office workers and their customers might not see it as such.

In announcing the decision to shutter thousands of mostly small-town offices, the Postal Service said it could actually provide local retailers with an opportunity to boost commerce.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe introduced the alternative post-office model, which is designed to provide services to regular customers as well as increase traffic at corner markets, filling stations and other merchants.

Essentially, the plan is to open 2,500 "village" post offices using small businesses to offer stamps and accept packages. With the extra revenue, these retailers can pay rent and utilities while customers would have basic services available to them.

Donahoe added that stand-alone post offices could also be folded into city halls and libraries also looking for a little extra cash.

The decision to close nearly 3,700 facilities came as the Postal Service figures to lose between $8 billion and $9 billion this year.