JCPenney and Sears has been there since day one, and Isaac Tigrett opened the third Hard Rock Cafe in the world in the Old Hickory Mall, which celebrated its 50 anniversary, Thursday.

The original 324,628-square-feet facility – constructed on 31 acres of land at the corner of North Highland Avenue and Old Hickory Boulevard – was also home to a movie theater and A&P Supermarket, when it opened Thursday, July 27, 1967.

JCPenney is in the same 58,000-square-foot location where Marvin Ellison from Brownsville would shop with his mother when he was a child, and today, he serves as CEO of the retailer.

JCPenney moved to the Old Hickory Mall from 117 Lafayette St., where it first opened Oct. 6, 1923.

“The mall was and is a lifestyle,” said Tracy Sudzum, manager of the Old Hickory Mall. “People still shop here, today.”

It’s expected numerous people will visit the mall to take advantage of Tax Free Weekend, where shoppers can buy qualifying items, including apparel, computers and school supplies, without paying local or state sales tax from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 28, until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 30.

“It’s our official birthday, and what better way to celebrate than a tax free weekend,” Kristina Francese said. “We’re also having giveaways.”

Kristina Francese is the marketing director of Old Hickory Mall, which is owned by CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., in Chattanooga.

“I’m so excited to be here at the 50th anniversary event,” Francese said. “There is so much history at this mall … so many memories the shoppers have coming to the mall with their families … going back to school shopping, just having a wonderful time here.”

(PHOTO: Kristina Francese, marketing director, CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., left, is pictured with Tracy Sudzum, manager of the Old Hickory Mall)

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