THE city-centre Esso gas station is set to reopen this morning with a new look and a new name following a two-week closure for major renovations.

Esso Bermuda general manager Ed Adelson yesterday revealed the Richmond Road station was, in fact, the best highest earning station in the whole of the Latin American regional grouping, of which the Island is a part.

"It has the highest gross sales per month of any store on the Island and in the Latin American region,'' Mr. Adelson said. "It is an important store in the overall chain so we wanted to give it the latest look.'' He said Esso Bermuda invested some $250,000 in modernising the station, which is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Tannock. It has been renamed the Esso City Tiger Market and will feature new store windows, tiling, ceiling and counter surfaces, as well a fresh layout and new equipment and furnishings.

Mr. Adelson praised the Tannocks for their operation of the successful station, saying the revamp will give them more flexibility in meeting customer needs, which have changed since the station opened some seven years ago. He noted back then the automart was one of the few places open for groceries on Sundays. Nowadays, customers want more quick foods, drinks and snacks.

A "grand unwrapping'' of the new store is scheduled for November 26 when a day of activities and specials is planned.