Retail shares declined late Thursday as analysts voiced concern over how retailers, pushing post-Christmas sales, will finish their biggest selling period.

U.S. retail foot traffic for the week ended Dec. 22 fell “a significant” 10.6 percent, contributing to a sales drop of 2.2 percent during the same period, according to ShopperTrak RCT Corp.’s retail traffic index, which gauges mall traffic. Retail sales so far this holiday season have been lackluster, with women’s apparel retailers feeling the most pressure.

The International Council of Shopping Centers said November and December sales at stores open at least a year, an industry performance metric, may be “a tad under” a 2.5 percent gain it had forecast if sales trends continue at their current pace.

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