(Reuters) -Gap Inc on Thursday forecast a steeper-than-expected decline in current-quarter sales after missing expectations in the second quarter, hit by slowing demand for its accessories and apparel as budget-strained American customers cut back on spending. Gap's weak sales were on similar lines to the latest earnings and forecasts from retailers ranging from Macy's to Foot Locker, in fresh signs U.S. consumer spending is under stress heading into the second half of the year due to persistent inflation and repeated interest rate hikes. In July, Gap tapped Mattel's operating chief, Richard Dickson, to head the company after a year-long search, betting on the executive's success in turning around the Barbie brand to revive sales at the apparel retailer.