January's 'Holiday Hangover' is the best day for sales you never knew about

Every year on the first post-holiday workday prices on everything from fitness items to jewelry plummet and online sales skyrocket. We're calling it the Holiday Hangover sale. Here's when it's happening and what to buy.

After 15 years of diligently tracking and posting the best deals on the internet, the retail experts here at Brad's Deals noticed a pattern. Every year, on the first post-holiday workday, prices on everything from fitness items to jewelry plummet, and online sales skyrocket. We're calling it the Holiday Hangover sale, and this year, it's happening on Tuesday, January 3.

Cyber Monday started off in a similar way: retailers noticed lots of people were shopping online the first day back at work after Thanksgiving, so they lowered prices and started hyping up the day itself. While the Holiday Hangover has yet to reach such heights of fame, we have a hunch it'll get there eventually. For now, early adopters can save big while feeling a part of a secret club of savvy, in-the-know shoppers.

So what should you look forward to buying at these sales? We took a look at last year's sale data and came up with five distinct categories to shop during next Tuesday's Holiday Hangover sales.

Fitness items

It should come as no surprise that January is a good time to stock up on fitness equipment. Most people's New Year's resolutions revolve around getting healthy, and the fitness industry knows it. During last year's Holiday Hangover Sale, we saw quality electric treadmills for as low as $280, FitBit wristbands for 50 percent off, and the Jillian Michael's BodyShred DVD set going for 40 percent off.

January is also a good month to join a gym, as most fitness clubs waive their hefty signup fees during the first month of the year in order to boost membership. Just remember, though: being a member of a gym is only worth it if you actually go, and most gyms are only profitable because very few people ever do.

Furniture

Last year, JCPenney had a closeout Holiday Hangover sale on furniture that boasted markdowns of up to 70 percent off, Kohl's had 60 percent off sale on furniture and home goods, and Cost Plus World Market took 40-50 percent off theirs. We think it's likely we'll see similar sales next week from all three of these retailers, so if you're in the market for a new couch, bed or coffee table, we think you're gonna really like this year's Holiday Hangover selection.

Jewelry

In case the many snowy engagement photos clogging up your Facebook newsfeed didn't tip you off, it's engagement season! Jewelry merchants are famous for knocking down prices in January for this very reason, and also to help early birds shop for Valentine's Day gifts on the cheap. What was glittery, gold and on sale during last year's Holiday Hangover, you ask? A lot:

• Jewelry.com sold a $40 14k gold diamond tennis bracelet for $14.
• 6pm took 60 percent off all COACH jewelry
• J.Crew Factory marked down jewelry and accessories 40 percent
• Kohl's took 80 percent (yes, 8-0!!) off jewelry

Our bet? Check Kohl's next week for some serious (and we mean SERIOUS) discounts on everything sparkly.

Bedding and linens

Macy's is famous for having a beginning-of-the-year closeout sale on bedding, and 2016 did not disappoint. With 24-piece comforter sets, normally $400-$500, going for $77 and 8-piece sets, normally $100, selling for $32, our Holiday Hangovers were soothed at just the thought of a cozy, tastefully-adorned bed waiting to shelter us from the winter cold. We're betting we'll see this again come 2017, so keep an eye on Macys.com next week, and while you're at it, check out Designer Living as well.

Holiday decor

If you want to deck the halls come December 2017, don't wait until then to stock up on holiday decor. Last year's Holiday Hangover sales on festive lights and decorations from retailers like Kmart and Hayneedle went up to 75 percent off, and we expect to see similar sales from Target, Kohl's and Macy's in 2017.

Best places to shop your Holiday Hangover away?

Kohl's and Macy's, hands down. Between Kohl's 2016 jewelry and furniture markdowns and Macy's insane bedding sale, we have a feeling these are the retailers to watch next week.

This story originally appeared on Brad's Deals.