By DAWNE LEIKER

dleiker@dailynews.net

Customers are testing out Eagle Communication's customer care center at its new "hands on" location inside Dillons Store, 1902 Vine.

The location has an Internet-ready computer, two televisions and a phone set up providing Eagle Broadband services. Shoppers have been stopping by to check out the new technology and Internet speeds as well as high definition and digital television channels since the office opened three weeks ago.

"It's a little more interactive with customers," said Jake Schulte, customer service manager. "We can be out in front of the desk and not just behind the desk."

Schulte said customers can get answers to any questions they have about Eagle services and take care of business they would regularly do at Eagle's Hall Street location. An Internet technician still might have to be called to follow up on technical issues, but the Dillons' location is a "good place to start," he said.

Reaction to the new store front has been positive, Schulte said. Although traffic at Eagle's Hall Street office still outpaces the new location, he anticipates an increase in business as awareness builds.

Dillons' customers are attracted to the storefront by its bright colors and vivid digital television screens. Schulte said kids often stop in to watch a cartoon, or a group of guys will wander in to watch a game.

Schulte pointed out another benefit of the new location is its convenience for customers who can stop by as they do their shopping.

"Opening this makes us more easily accessible to our customers, so they don't have to drive across town when they have a question," he said "When you're coming in to do shopping, you can pop in on your way out."

Schulte and two part-time employees are staffing the location, which is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.