Eye Catcher or Land filler?

When looking to buy a new product, does the packaging really matter? Companies spend sooo much effort in graphic design and packaging that it drives the cost of their products up so much. I want to know does it matter? Does it really help sell a product? How many of you really buy a product because of how the outside looks? I'm working on my product design right now and I would rather have less expensive, simple packaging that wastes less material and is reusable, recycleable, and eco-friendly and create a more quality and afforadable product. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. In my opinion and I've bought my fair share of products over the years for one reason or another, I would prefer the packaging to be more simple and earth-friendly. That is what catches my eye even more now and I love to see all the fun and creative ways people/companies do this.