NEW YORK CITY-As bricks-and-mortar retailers continue to face competition from the dot com world, many industry leaders are generating value for shareholders in more ways beyond profit margins alone. From Whole Foods Market to the Container Store, these retailers have embraced the idea of conscious capitalism – a philosophy that a company can help enhance quality of life for its employees, investors and community at-large.

“You have to stock your store not just with the latest styles and fashions, but you’ve got to stock them with people who live for the hedonistic pleasure of making all of our stakeholders feel as good as possible,” said Danny Meyer, CEO and founder of Union Square Hospitality Group, during day three of the National Retail Federation’s 101^st Convention and Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan.

“People who come to work because nothing makes them happier than being part of a team, who are courteous and kind, who have a great work ethic, who are self-aware, those are the six emotional skills that make up someone with a high human quality. You feel differently when you work at that kind of company and you feel differently when you shop at that kind of a company.”