Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and TJX Cos. said profit would be lower than they forecast, while clothing retailer Gap Inc. said September sales dropped 11 percent, as consumer spending slowed toward the end of last month.

The results, combined with sales decreases posted yesterday by J.C. Penney Co., Nordstrom Inc. and Kohl’s Corp., indicate the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression and higher food and gasoline costs have caused consumers to pull back. That could threaten holiday sales.