A good looking cover will often get a better position in a store, despite
the music.  If a shopper is just after a particular disc or work, then
they'll usually go straight to the A-Z for it.  All the end of aisle
displays and other big positions are there purely to entice people who
aren't after something specific.  An attractive (or at least clear) cover
can grab people's attention.  It is well known that when someone holds a
CD, the chances of that converting to a sale is far higher.  If the cover
is attractive, it may lead the person to pick it up and check the back for
the real information.  An ugly and cluttered cover may not.  It's a long
time before you actually hear the music.

Granted, this is probably not the case for most people on the list, who are
above these considerations.  However, a record company needs as many sales
as possible.

The biggest advantage goes to labels which have a good reputation, and a
consistent design style.  If you like a label, and you see one under new
releases, you may be intrigued about the disc even if you've not heard of
the composer.  Some people love the types of music you get on ECM - and
despite no big logo, you would recognise an ECM cover straight away.

My biggest gripe is when there is insufficient detail on the back sleeve
about what's in the disc.

Dave Mepham