As mentioned, the north anchor store opened as a Chattanooga-based Miller Brothers. It was converted into a Knoxville-based Miller's of Tennessee within a year of its grand opening.
Photo from Northgate Mall brochure, circa-1982

The east anchor at  NORTHGATE was among the first stores in the chain to sport the company's new Helvetica-font "JCPenney" logo. The store was dedicated in March 1972.
Photo from Northgate Mall brochure, circa-1982

The NORTHGATE MALL Sears with its original 1974 nameplate.
Photo from Northgate Mall brochure, circa-1982